Differential responses to somatic embryogenesis of different genotypes of Brazilian oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

To assess the potential of different genotypes of Brazilian oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) to somatic embryogenesis and somatic embryo proliferation, mature zygotic embryos of nine commercial genotypes of E. guineensis (BRSC2001, BRSC2328, BRSC2301, BRSC3701, BRSCM1115, BRSC7201, BRSC2528, BRSC2501, and BRSCN1637) were used. Explants were incubated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) supplemented with 450 μM picloram, 3.0 % sucrose, 500 mg l^?1 glutamine, and 2.5 g l^?1 activated charcoal, and gelled with 2.5 g l^?1 Phytagel. After induction, for differentiation and maturation, the embryogenic calli (ECs) were transferred into fresh medium supplemented with 0.6 μM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 12.30 μM 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP) or 40 μM picloram in combination with 0.3 g l^?1 activated charcoal, and 500 mg l^?1 glutamine. Somatic embryos were converted into plants on MS medium with macro- and micro-nutrients at half strength, 2 % sucrose, and 2.5 g l^?1 activated charcoal, and gelled with 2.5 g l^?1 Phytagel. In general, zygotic embryos swelled after 14 days. Primary calli, which were observed in all the genotypes after 45–60 days of culture, eventually progressed to ECs at 90 days. At this time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed cellular differences between compact and friable calli. After 150 days in the induction phase, the ECs with proembryos that were transferred to the medium for differentiation and maturation, differentiated asynchronically into somatic embryos at globular and torpedo stages. The results showed that BRSC2328 and BRSCM1115 had the highest potential for EC formation (90–100 %) and somatic embryo differentiation (40.7 and 52.5 somatic embryos per callus, respectively) when compared to other genotypes. After approximately 90 days of culture on MS basal medium without growth regulators, protrusion of the leaf primordia was observed, characterizing the onset of germination of the somatic embryos into plants.     

Recurrent somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from seedlings of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hepatica nobilis</Emphasis> Schreb.

A method for secondary somatic embryogenesis was developed on embryos derived from embryogenic callus formed on Hepatica nobilis seedlings. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) was induced on seedlings (on the hypocotyl and epicotyl parts) grown on the Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS) supplemented with 1 µM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and/or 0.1 µM 6-benzyladenine (BA) and on medium without plant growth regulators (PGR). The best response of embryogenic callus formation was observed on the medium containing 1 µM NAA alone or with 0.1 µM BA. Individual somatic embryos, formed on embryogenic callus on the medium without PGR (MS0), at heart, torpedo and cotyledonary stage, were transferred to the media where secondary somatic embryo formation and development into plantlets occurred. Although the most efficient repetitive cycles of secondary SE were recorded for all stages of somatic embryos (heart, torpedo, cotyledonary) on the MS0 medium (77.8–87.4 %), secondary somatic embryos were also obtained on all media supplemented with cytokinins. The best rate of somatic embryos germination was achieved on MS media with 0.2 µM NAA and 2 µM BA, and 0.1 µM NAA and 1 µM BA (48.8–52.0 %) when more mature embryos (cotyledonary stage) were used. Plantlets grown from somatic embryos were successfully acclimatized to greenhouse conditions.     

Somatic embryogenesis from mature zygotic embryos of Distylium chinense (Fr.) Diels and assessment of genetic fidelity of regenerated plants by SRAP markers

The objective was to establish an efficient regeneration protocol for Distylium chinense based on somatic embryogenesis and evaluate the genetic stability of plants regenerated in vitro. To induce callus mature zygotic embryos were cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium that was supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and N⁶-benzyladenine (BA). After 20 days, the highest rate of callus formation (88.9 %) occurred on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l^?1 2,4-D and 0.1 mg l^?1 BA. It was observed that light-yellow, compact, dry, nodular embryogenic calli had formed. These calli were then subcultured on fresh MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l^?1 BA and 0.5 mg l^?1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for proliferation for an additional 30 days. To induce somatic embryos and plant regeneration, the embryogenic callus was transferred to fresh MS medium that was supplemented with different concentrations of BA and NAA. After 30 days, 0.5 mg l^?1 BA in combination with 0.5 mg l^?1 NAA produced the best result in terms of somatic embryogenesis (%), shoot differentiation (%), number of shoots per callus and shoot length. Next, the plantlets were transferred to the field for 5 weeks and a 95 % survival rate was observed. The sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers confirmed genetic stability of plants regenerated in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes a plant regeneration protocol for D. chinense via somatic embryogenesis to be used for germplasm conservation and commercial cultivation.     

Somatic embryogenesis in Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn

Induction of somatic embryos and plant regeneration was demonstrated for the first time in Alnus glutinosa. Somatic embryos were initiated from zygotic embryos collected 1–3 weeks post-anthesis (WPA), i.e., when they were at globular or early cotyledonary stage and were 0.5–1 mm in length. Induction frequency (16.6 %) and the mean number of somatic embryos (4.5 embryos/explant) were highest after culture of zygotic embryos, collected at 3 WPA, on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 0.9-μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.22-μM benzyladenine (BA). No embryogenic induction was observed on medium with BA alone. Initial somatic embryos differentiated indirectly from callus tissue formed at the surface of the zygotic embryos. Embryogenic competence was maintained by secondary embryogenesis, which was affected by explant type, plant growth regulators and genotype. Secondary embryogenesis was induced by culture of small groups of whole somatic embryos or isolated cotyledon explants on medium consisting of MS medium (half-strength macronutrients) supplemented with 0.44-μM BA. Histological study of isolated cotyledon explants revealed that secondary embryos developed directly from differentiated embryogenic tissue on the surface of cotyledons. Somatic embryos at successive stages of development, including cotyledonary-stage embryos with shoot and root meristems, were evident. For plantlet conversion, somatic embryos were transferred to maturation medium supplemented with 3 % maltose, followed by 6 weeks of culture in Woody Plant Medium supplemented with 0.44-μM BA and 0.46-μM Zeatin (Z). This novel protocol appears promising for mass propagation, conservation and genetic transformation of black alder.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) has been achieved from hypocotyl-derived callus culture in Pterocarpus marsupium. Ninety percent of hypocotyl explants (excised from 12-day-old in vitro germinated axenic seedlings) produced callus on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 5 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1 μM a 6-benzyladenine (BA). Induction of SE occurred after transfer of callus clumps (200 ± 20 mg fresh mass) to MS medium supplemented with BA at 2.0 μM, where a maximum of 23.0 ± 0.88 globular stage embryos per callus clump were observed after 4 weeks of culture. Subculturing of these embryos on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 μM BA, 0.1 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid and 10 μM abscisic acid significantly enhanced the maturation of somatic embryos to early cotyledonary stage, where 21.4 ± 0.32 embryos per callus clump were recorded after 4 weeks of culture. Of 30-well developed somatic embryos, 16.6 ± 0.33 germinated and subsequently converted into plantlets on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM BA. The morphologically normal plantlets with well-developed roots were first transferred to 1/4-liquid MS medium for 48 h and then to pots containing autoclaved soilrite and acclimatized in a culture room. Thereafter, they were transferred to a greenhouse, where 60% of them survived.     

Effects of type of explant and age,plant growth regulators and medium strength on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus camaldulensis</Emphasis>

Plant regeneration was achieved through direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis in Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Callus was induced from mature zygotic embryos and from cotyledon explants collected from 10, 15, 25, and 30-day-old seedlings cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Maximum callus induction from mature zygotic embryos was obtained on MS basal medium containing 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. The frequency of callus development varied based on the age of the cotyledon explants 10-day-old explants giving highest percentage on MS basal medium supplemented with 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. Callus obtained from mature zygotic embryos gave highest frequency of somatic embryogenesis on MS basal medium containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. Separate age wise culture of the calli, obtained from cotyledons of different ages cultured separately, revealed high somatic embryogenic potential on callus from 10-day-old cotyledons. Direct somatic embryogenesis too was obtained from hypocotyl explants without an intervening callus phase on MS basal medium containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ BA. The effects of abscisic acid (ABA), sucrose, and different strengths of MS medium on somatic embryo maturation and germination were also investigated. Number of mature somatic embryos increased with lower concentrations (0–1 mg l⁻¹) of ABA while no significant differences were observed at higher concentrations (2–5 mg l⁻¹) of ABA. Compared to basal medium containing lower concentrations of sucrose (1%), the MS medium supplemented with higher levels of sucrose (4%) showed significantly lower frequency of mature somatic embryos. Basal medium without any dilution gave the highest number of immature embryos. However, the number of mature embryos was high at higher medium dilutions.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in açaí palm (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Euterpe oleracea</Emphasis>)

An efficient and simple system for inducing somatic embryogenesis and regenerating plantlets from immature zygotic embryos of açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) has been developed. Embryogenic calli (ECs) were induced from immature zygotic embryos of açaí palm on Murashige and Skoog (MS) modified medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram. Embryogenic frequency was dependent on auxin type and concentration. The optimal concentration of picloram for the high-frequency induction of embryogenic calli (72%) was 225 μM. ECs were then subcultured on a differentiation and maturation medium composed of MS modified medium with 2-isopentenyladenine and naphthaleneacetic acid with subcultures at 4-week intervals. SEs were converted to plants on MS modified medium with half-strength macro- and micronutrients, 20 g l^?1 sucrose, and 2.5 g l^?1 activated charcoal and gelled with 2.5 g l^?1 Phytagel. Detailed morpho anatomical changes during the different stages of somatic embryogenesis were characterized. The development of SEs was asynchronous, and ontogenic studies confirmed that the initial cell divisions occur in the epidermal and subepidermal regions of the zygotic embryos. Broad base attachment of SEs to the epidermis indicates the presence of a suspensor.     

New approaches to improve the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) from mature zygotic embryos

We developed an efficient and simple system for inducing somatic embryogenesis and regenerating plantlets from mature zygotic embryos of oil palm. Embryogenic calli were induced from mature zygotic embryos of oil palm on modified Murashige and Skoog medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or picloram, alone or in combination with activated charcoal. The greatest frequency of embryogenic callus induction (97.5%) was obtained by culturing mature zygotic embryos on callus induction medium with 450 μM picloram and 2.5 g?L^?1 activated charcoal. Embryogenic calli proliferated on a medium with a reduced concentration of picloram. Embryogenic calli were then subcultured on a medium supplemented with 12.3 μM 2-isopentenyladenine and 0.54 μM naphthaleneacetic acid, with subcultures at 4-wk intervals. Somatic embryos were regenerated on a medium with Murashige and Skoog macro- and micronutrients at half-strength concentrations supplemented with 20 g?L^?1 sucrose, 2.5 g?L^?1 activated charcoal, and 2.5 g?L^?1 Phytagel. Detailed histological analysis revealed that somatic embryogenesis followed an indirect pathway. Primary calli were observed after 4–6 wk of culture and progressed to embryogenic calli at 12 wk. Embryogenic cells exhibited dense protoplasm, a high nucleoplasmic ratio, and small starch grains. Proembryos, which seemed to have a multicellular origin, formed after 16–20 wk of culture and successive cell divisions. Differentiated somatic embryos had a haustorium, a plumule, and the first and second foliar sheaths. In differentiated embryos, the radicular protrusion was not apparent because it generally does not appear until after the first true leaves emerge.     

Somatic embryogenesis in banana (Musa acuminata AAA cv. Grand Naine): effect of explant and culture conditions

An improved, rapid, reproducible, and simple protocol has been developed for somatic embryogenesis in banana cv. ‘Grand Naine’ using explants derived from actively growing multiple shoot cultures. Many restrictive factors remain in banana embryogenesis such as long duration, unpredictability, and a high degree of genotype dependence. In the present study, we used split shoot tips from 4-wk-old cultures as explants. Somatic embryos were induced in 15 d directly in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different combinations of 0–8.28 μM picloram and 0.22–4.44 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) without callus formation. Maximum embryo induction (100%) occurred when 4.14 μM picloram and 0.22 μM BA were used. Conversion of somatic embryos into plantlets occurred sporadically (2–3%) in MS medium containing α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 0.53–2.68 μM) together with BA (2.22–44.39 μM), or thidiazuron (4.54 μM) plus glutamine (200 mg/L). This protocol is far superior to those already reported for fast and high frequency induction of somatic embryo. In liquid agitated culture, individual embryos separated easily and produced a large number of secondary embryos within 10 d which, upon transfer to filter paper overlaid on MS liquid medium supplemented with 4.44 μM BA, resulted in conversion (3%) into plantlets.     

Primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) cv. ‘Baeksun’ and assessment of ploidy stability of somatic embryogenesis process by flow cytometry

We developed an efficient and simple system for inducing somatic embryogenesis and regenerating plantlets from petal explant of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) cv. ‘Baeksun’. Somatic embryogenesis was induced from petal explants on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^?1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 3.0 mg l^?1 6-benzyladenine (BA), yielding the highest mean number of embryos (56.3) per explant after 5 weeks of culture. We evaluated the effects of basal medium and various concentrations of sucrose on the proliferation of secondary somatic embryos. MS medium was observed to be more effective in promoting the proliferation of somatic embryos than half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2MS). In addition, 1 % sucrose was also found to be the best in induction of secondary embryogenesis. The highest germination rate (70 %) of the somatic embryos was observed on the MS medium containing 0.2 mg l^?1 α-naphthalene acetic acid and 1 g l^?1 activated charcoal (AC). Shoots elongated rapidly and roots developed well on hormone-free MS medium with 1 g l^?1 AC and successfully acclimated in the greenhouse. Flow cytometric analysis of the primary somatic embryos, secondary somatic embryos, and the somatic embryo-obtained plants along with the parent grown in the greenhouse showed that they all had same identical peaks, indicating that there was no variation of ploidy level during the regeneration process. We expect that our report would be useful for micropropagation and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation studies of this cultivar.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from mature zygotic embryos of Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.)

Using mature cotyledonary explants of Fraxinus mandshurica, an efficient plant regeneration system was developed via somatic embryogenesis. More than 67 % of mature cotyledons of zygotic embryos yielded 23–159 somatic embryos (SEs) per explant when incubated on medium consisting of half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts and vitamins (MS1/2) supplemented with 8.88 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), 26.84 μM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 75 g L^?1 sucrose, and 400 mg L^?1 casein hydrolysate (CH). Approximately, 82 % of induced SEs were observed on browning cotyledonary explants. Histological studies of cotyledon explants at various stages of somatic embryogenesis revealed that the SEs originated from single epidermal cells and developed to the globular, heart, torpedo, and cotyledonary stage embryos. Secondary somatic embryos (SSEs) formed on the surface of radicle tips of the SEs. Addition of low concentrations of NAA and 200–400 mg L^?1 CH to MS1/2 medium increased SSE induction. Cotyledonary SSEs were cultured on MS1/2 medium with 10 mM abscisic acid in the presence of light to promote maturation, and >92 % of mature SSEs were able to germinate with normal shoots. After 8 weeks in culture in the presence of light on medium with one-third of the MS macroelements as well as 0.06 μM NAA, >94 % of the germinated SSEs converted into plantlets. Plantlets acclimatized successfully to ex vitro conditions and developed normal phenotypes under field conditions.     

Propagation of mature <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus ilex</Emphasis> L. (holm oak) trees by somatic embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis from in vitro leaf and shoot apex explants excised from axillary shoot cultures established from two mature Quercus ilex trees has been developed. Somatic embryos (SE) were obtained from both explant types and genotypes evaluated, although embryogenic frequencies were influenced by the genotype, auxin concentration, and explant type. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog salts and vitamins, supplemented with 500 mg L^?1 casein hydrolysate (CH) and different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid or α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in combination with 2.22 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). In both genotypes, shoot apex explants were more responsive than leaf explants. The best results were obtained with apex explants of clone Q3 (11%) cultured on medium with 21.48 µM NAA plus 2.22 µM BA. This combination was also effective for initiating SE from leaf explants, although the induction rates were lower (1–3%). Embryogenic lines were maintained by repetitive embryogenesis following culture of nodular embryogenic structures on Schenk and Hildebrand medium without plant growth regulators. Low embryo multiplication rates were obtained when torpedo or early cotyledonary SE were used as initial explant for embryo proliferation, or when glutamine or CH (500 mg L^?1) was added to proliferation medium. For germination, cotyledonary-stage SE were isolated and stored at 4 °C for 2 months. After cold storage, SE were cultured on germination medium consisting of Gresshoff and Doy medium, supplemented with 0.44 μM BA and 20 μM silver thiosulphate. Under these conditions, plantlets were regenerated from 21 to 66.7% of the SE generated for both genotypes.     

Recovery of avocado (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Persea americana</Emphasis> Mill.) plants transformed with the antifungal plant defensin gene PDF1.2

Embryogenic avocado cultures derived from ‘Hass’ protoplasts were genetically transformed with the plant defensin gene (pdf1.2) driven by the CaMV 35S promoter in pGPTV with uidA as a reporter gene and bar, the gene for resistance to phosphinothricin, the active ingredient of the herbicide Finale® (Basta) (Bayer Environmental Science, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC ). Transformation was mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105. Transformed cultures were selected in the presence of 3.0 mg l^?1 phosphinothricin in liquid maintenance medium for 3–4 mo. Liquid maintenance medium consisted of modified MS medium containing (per liter) 12 mg NH₄NO₃ and 30.3 mg KNO₃ and supplemented with 0.1 mg l^?1 thiamine HCl, 100 mg l^?1 myo-inositol, 30 g l^?1 sucrose, 3.0 mg l^?1 phosphinothricin, and 0.41 μM picloram. Somatic embryo development from transformed cultures was initiated on MS medium supplemented with 45 g l^?1 sucrose, 4 mg l^?1 thiamine HCl, 100 mg l^?1 myo-inositol, 10% (v/v) filter-sterilized coconut water, 3.0 mg l^?1 phosphinothricin, and 6.0 g l^?1 gellan gum. Limited plant recovery occurred from somatic embryos on semi-solid MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg l^?1 phosphinothricin, 4.44 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), and 2.89 μM GA₃; transformed shoots were micrografted on in vitro-grown seedling rootstocks. Approximately 1 yr after acclimatization in the greenhouse, transformed shoots were air-layered to recover transformed roots. Genetic transformation of embryogenic cultures, somatic embryos, and regenerated plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Southern blot hybridization, the XGLUC reaction for uidA, and application of the herbicide Finale® to regenerated plants.     

Efficacious somatic embryogenesis and fertile plant recovery from shoot apex explants of onion (Allium cepa. L.)

An efficient somatic embryogenesis and regeneration system was developed for the first time in onion using shoot apex explants. These explants were used to initiate callus in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.0 mg l^?1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The induction frequency of primary callus in this medium was 85.3%. The primary calli were then transferred onto medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l^?1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Following two biweekly subcultures, embryogenic callus formed. Inclusion of a low concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine in the subculture medium promoted the formation of embryogenic callus. The addition of 2.0 mg l^?1 glycine, 690 mg l^?1 proline, and 1.0 g l^?1 casein hydrolysate also increased the frequency of callus induction and embryogenic callus formation. The highest frequency of embryogenic callus (86.9%) and greatest number of somatic embryos (26.3 per callus) were obtained by the further addition of 8.0 mg l^?1 silver nitrate. Somatic embryos formed plantlets on regeneration medium supplemented with 1.5 mg l^?1 6-benzylaminopurine; addition of 2.0 mg l^?1 glycine to the regeneration medium promoted a high frequency of regeneration (78.1%) and plantlet formation (28.7 plants per callus). The regenerated plantlets were transferred to half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg l^?1 indole-3-butyric acid for root development; the maximum frequency of root formation was 87.7% and the average number of roots was 7.6 per shoot. The regenerated plantlets were successfully grown to maturity after hardening in the soil. This is the first report of somatic embryogenesis and regeneration from shoot apex explants of onion.     

Somatic embryogenesis and direct as well as indirect organogenesis in Lilium pumilum DC. Fisch., an endangered ornamental and medicinal plant

Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in Lilium pumilum were successfully regulated by picloram, α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 6-benzyladenine (BA). In organogenesis, the highest shoot regeneration frequency (92.5%) was obtained directly from bulb scales on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2.0 mg L^?1 BA and 0.2 mg L^?1 NAA, while organogenic callus (OC) formed from leaves on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L^?1 BA and 0.5 mg L^?1 NAA. Following subculture, 76.7% of OC regenerated shoots. In somatic embryogenesis, the combination of picloram and NAA increased the amount of embryogenic callus (EC) that formed with a maximum on 90.7% of all explants which formed 11 somatic embryos (SEs) per explant. Differences between EC and OC in cellular morphology and cell differentiation fate were easily observed. SEs initially formed via an exogenous or an endogenous origin. The appearance of a protoderm in heart-shaped SE and the bipolar shoot–root development in oval-shaped SE indicated true somatic embryogenesis. This protocol provides a new and detailed regulation and histological examination of regeneration pattern in L. pumilum.     

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in Drimia robusta

A simple efficient in vitro plant regeneration system was developed by direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis of Drimia robusta, a medicinal plant extensively used in South African traditional medicine. Different developmental stages of somatic embryos (SEs: globular embryos, partial pear-shaped embryos and club-shaped embryos), club-shaped cotyledon initiation, plumule initiation and plantlets were directly obtained from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 3.5 % (w/v) sucrose and different plant growth regulators (PGRs). In MS medium containing 3.5 % (w/v) sucrose and supplemented with 10 μM picloram, 1 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) and 20 μM glutamine, a higher number of SEs and plantlets were achieved. These were established onto half-strength MS medium followed by successful acclimatization (100 %) in the greenhouse. Liquid somatic embryo medium (SEM_L) containing 500 mg of friable embryogenic callus on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of PGRs and organic elicitors produced different stages of SEs. Somatic embryo production was enhanced by 0.5 μM picloram, 1 μM TDZ and mebendazole treatment. The highest number of plantlets (9.0 ± 0.70) was obtained in SEM_L containing 0.5 μM picloram, 1 μM TDZ and 25 mg l^?1 haemoglobin. All the cotyledon and plumule embryos germinated on half-strength MS medium, however 90 % of SEs germinated on half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 μM naphthaleneacetic acid. All plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. This first report of D. robusta somatic embryogenesis provides an opportunity to control extinction threats, ensure germplasm conservation and provides a system for analysis of bioactive compounds and bioactivity.     

In vitro propagation via organogenesis and embryogenesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyrtanthus mackenii</Emphasis>: a valuable threatened medicinal plant

Efficient and simple, organogenesis (direct and indirect) and somatic embryogenesis (cell suspension) systems were developed for in vitro propagation of Cyrtanthus mackenii, a valuable economic plant from leaf explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of sucrose, plant growth regulators (PGRs), glutamine, phloroglucinol (PG) and 6-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylamino) purine (PI55). MS medium solidified with 8 g L^?1 agar (MS_S) containing 40 g L^?1 sucrose, 10 µM picloram, 2.5 µM benzyladenine (BA) and 20 µM glutamine produced a higher number of shoots from white nodular callus. This was however, not significantly different to direct shoot regeneration on media containing 10 µM picloram, 2.5 µM BA and a reduced concentration of sucrose and glutamine. The regenerated shoots were rooted best with MS_S medium incorporating 10 µM PG. The number of somatic embryos (SEs) were significantly higher using liquid MS medium containing 30 g L^?1 sucrose, 0.5 µM picloram, 1 µM thidiazuron or BA and 3 µM glutamine or gibberellic acid. The embryos were germinated in PGR-free MS_S medium. All plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. Histological studies confirmed the different developmental stages and bipolar structure of SE. The organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis protocols provides a system for large scale propagation and germplasm conservation. Developed protocols can be used for clonal production and pharmacological and genetic transformation studies.     

Somatic embryogenesis in Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet and assessment of genetic homogeneity using SCoT markers

This study describes an efficient plant regeneration protocol for Abutilon indicum via somatic embryogenesis from 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-induced leaf-derived callus on MS medium, fortified with 13.32 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), 2.68 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 200 mgl^?1-activated charcoal, and 11.54 μM ascorbic acid. This combination produced the highest (15.5 ± 0.7) number of somatic embryos after four weeks of culture. Further, the embryogenic calli were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 13.32 μM BA, 1.44 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃), and 3% (w/v) sucrose and showed highest rate of germination (76.3 ± 7.0%). The germinated somatic embryos showed maximum plantlet conversion (62.6 ± 1.90%) on ½ MS medium supplemented with 4.92 μM indole-3-butyric acid and 6.0% sucrose (w/v). The highest frequency of secondary somatic embryogenesis (34.4 ± 0.82) was observed on ½ MS medium, supplemented with 133 μM FeSO₄·7H₂O, 74 μM ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid disodium dihydrate (disodium EDTA), and 15% polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG-4000) after three weeks of subculture. Scanning electron microscopy observations also substantiated the development of primary and secondary somatic embryos from embryogenic calli. Start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) marker analysis of 214 somatic embryo-derived plantlets amplified 167 numbers of bands ranging from 230 to 2125 bp. The homogeneous banding pattern confirmed the genetic uniformity of this sample of somatic embryo-derived plantlets as compared with the donor plant.     

The effect of explant material on somatic embryogenesis of Cyclamen persicum Mill

Somatic embryos of Cyclamen persicum Mill. could be produced through a callus phase from juvenile explant material including anthers, ovaries and zygotic embryos. The auxin 2,4-D (1.0–1.5 mg l^-1) and coconut milk (10% v/v) in MS medium were important factors for the induction of somatic embryogenesis. Somatic embryos germinated into plantlets in MS medium without growth regulators. The plants grew well in the greenhouse and flowered normally. The plants were phenotypically identical to the mother plants with a few exceptions.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA 1-naphthylacetic acid - IAA 3-indoleacetic acid - BA 6-benzyladenine - ABA abscisic acid - CM coconut milk     

Somatic Embryogenesis in Capparis decidua (Forsk) Edgew — A Multipurpose Agroforestry Plant

An efficient protocol for direct somatic embryogenesis in Capparis decidua has been developed. Mature zygotic embryos cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) liquid medium with 2,4-0 (0.1 mg l^?1) and BA (0.5 mg l^?1) produced somatic embryos directly without an intervening callus phase from the subepidermal cells. Treatment with ABA promoted maturation of somatic embryos and BA (1 mg l^?1)promoted germination. One zygotic embryo produced approximately 230 somatic embryos within 14 to 15 weeks. Embryos germinated in eight weeks and acclimatized plants were transferred to pots.