Objective The induction of embryogenetic callus and proliferation of litchi leaves were studied in order to lay a good foundation for the establishment and application of litchi regeneration system technology.

Method With the litchi leaves as materials, the influencing effects (genotype, source of materials, components of culture medium, etc.) of litchi leaves on embryogenic callus induction were studied, and the proliferation experiment on subculture proliferation of embryogenic callus was carried out.

Result The sterile leaves germinating for about 2-4 weeks were cut into a size of 1 cm₂ with two cuts perpendicular to the main vein, and were inoculated facing down to the medium of MS+2, 4-D 1.5 mg/L+KT 2.0 mg/L+sucrose 30 g/L+agar 7 g/L+PVP 500 mg/L+inositol 100 mg/L. After 2-3 subcultures, the varieties of 'Sanyuehong'and'Yujinqiu'could induce embryogenic callus with better state and these callus could be used in subsequent experiments, with the induction rates of 21.67 % and 42.50%, respectively. The subculture proliferation rate on the 2, 4-D 1.5 mg/L+NAA 2.0 mg/L medium was up to 364%, and the growth effect of embryogenic callus was the best when it was alternately cultured on the subculture medium with half the plant growth regulator.

Conclusion Embryogenic callus could be induced from'Sanyuehong'and'Yujinqiu.'The combination of inositol 100 mg/L+2, 4-D 1.5 mg/L+KT 2.0 mg/L was beneficial to embryogenic callus formation. The plant growth regulator combination of 2, 4-D 1.5 mg/L+NAA 2.0 mg/L was beneficial to the proliferation culture of embryogenic callus, and the growth effect of embryogenic callus was the best when it was alternately cultured on the medium with half of the plant growth regulator and 2.0 mg/L AgNO₃.