Abstract
Callus-inducing ability of Alnus hirsuta was examined by culturing various tissues (leaf, hypocotyl, cotyledon and seed) on NT (Nagata & Takebe) medium, supplemented with 2.5$\mu$M 2,4-D. Leaf-originated callus was cultured on media varying in auxin (IBA and NAA) and cytokinin (BAP) concentrations to examine the effects of auxin and cytokinin on callus growth. Maximum growth was obtained at 10 $\mu$M IBA+10$\mu$M BAP and 10$\mu$M NAA without cytokinin. Cell suspensions established from cotyledon-originated callus yielded viable protoplasts after incubation for 16-18 hours in an enzyme mixture (1% (w/v) Onozuka R-10 0.5% (w/v) Macerozyme, CPW salts and 13% (w/v) mannitol, pH 5.8). Protoplasts were cultured on NT medium, supplemented with glucose, hormones and coconut milk. After 6 weeks of culture, protoplasts sustained cell divisions to form microcallus, which showed various colors from red to white.