The rolC gene in carnation exhibits cytokinin- and auxin-like activities

The overexpression of the rolC gene of the Ri plasmid of Agrobacterium rhizogenes m transgenic plants alters their development. Few studies have been performed on adventitious shoot or root formation in rolC-transformed plants. In this study we evaluated a possible cytokinin-like and auxin-like effect on shoot and root regeneration from petals and leaves of four lines of rolC-transgenic carnation plants (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. White Sim). rolC was found to enhance shoot regeneration, by increasing either the number of shoots per regenerative explant, or the number of shoot-forming explants. Remarkable root regeneration, in a medium with only auxin, was obtained from rolC explants, due to the increased percentage of root-forming explants. Our results show that rolC exhibits both cytokinin-like and auxin-like activities in rolC-transgenic carnation tissues.