Abstract: Embryogenic cell line was established from hypocotyl segments of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.)Nannf. 4--8 day old embryogenic callus was used to isolate protoplasts in an enzyme solution containing 1.5 % cellulase Onozuka R-10 and 3 % pectinase. Protoplasts were cultured in MS,C81V,DPD and KMSp basal medium supplemented with 1.2 mg/L 2,4-D, 0.2 mg/L NAA, 0. 2 mg/L BAP, 0. 1 mg/L ZT,and different combinations of glucose and mannitol . Protoplast-derived cells underwent sustained divisions in KM8p medium. As an osmoticum, glucose was more beneficial to protoplast division. A combination of 0. 30 mol/L glucose with 0.10 mol/L mannitol gave the best result. Under proper conditions , protoplasts underwent the first division on the 3rd day of culture,formed colonies within 30 days , and developed into microcalli in 6 weeks. Plantlets were regenerated from protoplast-derived calli through somatic embryogenesis. 0.2 % activated charcoal promoted embryoid formation and root development.

Key words: Codonopsis pilosula, Protoplast culture, Somatic embryogenesis, Plant regeneration