Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Concentration-Dependent Role of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in Callus Induction, Somatic Embryogenesis, and Antioxidant Responses in Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) Fareed Khalid Yaseen Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Dohuk, Kurdistan Region-Iraq Corresponding Author Email: fareed.yaseen@uoz.edu.krd

10.58928/j2931.2026.166330.1467

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 September 2026
Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Fareed Khalid Yaseen

Department of Environmental Science /College of Science / University of Zakho

Abstract
ABSTRACT

This study examined the influence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on callus development, embryogenic competence, and antioxidant metabolism in Ficus elastica. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ 2,4-D. A marked effect of auxin concentration was observed on morphogenetic and biochemical parameters (p < 0.01). The optimal response occurred at 1.0 mg·L⁻¹, where callus induction reached 85.2 ± 1.1% with a biomass of 3.18 ± 0.14 g·explant⁻¹ and the shortest initiation time of 22.6 ± 0.5 days (p = 0.007). Somatic embryogenesis was most successful at this level, producing 74.4 ± 1.2% embryo induction, a quality index of 5.1 ± 0.4, and 54.6 ± 1.6% plantlet conversion (p = 0.006). Regenerated plantlets from the same treatment showed superior rooting (91.4 ± 1.4%) and survival following acclimatization (85.3 ± 1.4%; p = 0.006). Antioxidant enzyme activity was also highest at 1.0 mg·L⁻¹, with superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase activities significantly enhanced (p = 0.006), while oxidative stress markers such as H₂O₂, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage were at their lowest. Phenolic compounds (1.77 ± 0.05 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW; p = 0.007) and free proline (2.27 ± 0.06 µmol g⁻¹ FW; p = 0.007) also peaked at this concentration. In contrast, 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ suppressed morphogenesis and increased oxidative damage (p = 0.007). Collectively, these findings confirm that 2,4-D regulates morphogenesis and stress physiology in a concentration-dependent manner, with 1.0 mg·L⁻¹ identified as the most effective for optimizing regeneration in F. elastica.

Keywords

Keywords: Rooting and acclimatization
Callus Induction
Phenolic compounds
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
Ficus elastica
Subjects

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