Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet formation in Santalum album and S. spicatum

A reproducible system for somatic embryogenesis and plantlet formation of sandalwood has been developed. A high frequency (100%) of somatic embryos were induced directly from various explants in MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium with thidiazuron (1 or 2 M) or indirectly in medium containing 2,4-D plus thidiazuron. Within 8 weeks, white globular somatic embryos or friable embryogenic tissue developed on cultured explants. In S. album the globular somatic embryos were transferred to MS medium supplemented with IAA (6 M) and kinetin (1 and M) where they developed further, multiplied and maintained friable embryogenic tissue. After 15-30 d, mature somatic embryos (1-2 mm) with well-developed cotyledons were separated and subcultured on to medium containing GA3 (6 M) for germination. Once germinated, elongated somatic embryos (10-20 mm long) grew further in MS supplemented with lower GA3 (3 M). In S. spicatum, the addition of casein hydrolysate and coconut milk was necessary for plantlet development from somatic embryos. From histological studies, it appeared that primary somatic embryos arose from single cells or had a multicellular origin from the epidermis or cortical parenchyma. Secondary somatic embryos and friable embryogenic tissue differentiated from groups of proembryogenic cells from a superficial layer of the primary somatic embryos.Keywords: Santalum album, Santalum spicatum, somatic embryogenesis, histological studies.      

Somatic embryogenesis, plant regeneration, and cryopreservation for Torreya taxifolia, a highly endangered coniferous species

Torreya taxifolia Arn., an ancient evergreen tree, is on the brink of extinction from attack by a fungal disease, recently reported to be caused by a novel isolate of Fusarium. We report the development of a somatic embryogenesis tissue culture system that can be used for cryogenic storage of T. taxifolia cultures and subsequent plant regeneration. Initiation of embryogenic tissue from immature zygotic embryos occurred on a conifer tissue culture medium containing 0.25?% activated charcoal, 43.8?mM maltose, 0.5?mM 2,4-dichlorophenoxacetic acid, 0.2?mM 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.2?mM kinetin, 0.1???M brassinolide, 3.8???M abscisic acid, 20.5???M biotin, 1.13???M folic acid, 1.28?mM 2(n-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and 0.69?mM pyruvic acid. Embryo induction ranged from 60 to 100?% across six seed sources. Somatic embryo development occurred on a medium containing 43.8?mM maltose, 1?% activated charcoal, 37.8???M abscisic acid, 20.5???M biotin, 0.1???M brassinolide, 0.205?mM folic acid, 1.28?mM 2(n-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and 0.69?mM pyruvic acid. Germination of somatic embryos ranged from 64 to 82?%. Embryogenic tissue cultures from 30 genotypes representing seed from six mother trees were cryopreserved, and culture recovery was demonstrated after freezing. In contrast to many other coniferous tree seeds, the measured water potential (?MPa) of T. taxifolia megagametophyte tissue rose greatly during seed after-ripening. Duplication of this rise in vitro allowed development of somatic embryos to the cotyledonary stage.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from leaf segments of Piper colubrinum

Direct somatic embryogenesis from in vitro-cultured leaf segments of multiple disease-resistant pepper, Piper colubrinum Link is reported. Somatic embryos were initiated on Murashige and Skoog's (1962) basal medium containing 2.2 μM benzyladenine+0.46 μM kinetin and multiplied profusely through secondary embryogenesis on the same medium. Some 91% somatic embryos converted into plantlets on MS medium supplemented with 4.4 μM benzyladenine+0.23 μM kinetin and plantlets developed on half-strength MS+2.4 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Plantlets were hardened, transferred to soil, and 100% of plants survived. Various developmental stages of somatic embryogenesis were studied using histological methods. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in Cornus florida

Somatic embryos were initiated from 12 to 15 weeks postanthesis (WPA) zygotic embryos of Cornus florida L. (flowering dogwood) cultured on Murashige-Skoog (MS) or Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium amended with either 3 mg/L 2,4-D or 5 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L kinetin. White, opaque globular and early cotyledonary stage embryos were formed directly on detached cotyledons from 2 of the 5 trees sampled after 7 weeks of culture. Morphologically mature embryos developed after an additional 4 weeks incubation on medium without growth regulators; however, many of the embryos were fused in pairs along the entire length of the hypocotyl-radicle axis. Indirect embryogenesis was observed from callus cultures initiated from 9 to 15 WPA zygotic embryos. These cultures have continued to produce embryos for 16 months. Many of the embryos formed roots on germination medium, but only 12% formed plantlets and none developed past the first true leaf stage.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - FPA Formalin-propionic acid-ethanol (50%) - WPA weeks post-anthesis     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in the genus Secale

Summary A tissue culture of five wild species of the Secale genus, i.e., S. africanum (Stapf.), S. ancestrale (Zhuk.), S. kuprianovii (Grossh), S. segetale (Rosher.), and S. vavilovii (Grossh), from immature embryos of sizes (stages) varying between 1.0 mm to 3.0mm, cultured on MS (1962) mineral nutrient medium supplemented with 0.62 mg/1–5.0 mg/1 of 2,4-D, was established. Initially various types of callus were observed and a correlation between genotype, size of explant and 2,4-D concentration was found. The best embryogenic response was observed when explants were smaller than 1.0 mm. Induction of somatic embryogenesis of 2.0 mm–3.0 mm explants required a higher concentration of 2,4-D. Most embryoids were formed in the presence of 5.0 mg/l of 2,4-D. Secale africanum and S. kuprianovii appeared to have the highest embryogenic capacity among the five investigated species. For embryoids germination to plantlets the MS medium supplemented with GA₃ and cytokinins was used. Ultimately, out of the 932 regenerants obtained 364 originated from somatic embryogenesis.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA3 deGibberellic acid - BAP Benzylaminopurine     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration of Cassia angustifolia from immature cotyledon-derived callus

Plant regeneration through indirect somatic embryogenesis was attempted from the immature cotyledon-derived explant of Cassia angustifolia Vahl. — a valuable leguminous shrub. The highest frequency (90.5 %) of somatic embryos was obtained on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 10.0 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.0 μM benzyladenine (BA) with the production of a maximum of 22.8 embryos per explant, of which 35.3 % germinated on the same medium after 6 weeks of culture. A half strength MS medium without plant growth regulators facilitated better conversion of embryos into complete plantlets compared to a full strength MS medium. Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized in sterile Soilrite and transferred to field conditions with a 70 % survival rate. Histological studies performed at different stages of embryogenesis revealed the mode of differentiation of embryos from the callus. The content of chlorophylls (a + b) and carotenoids, and the net photosynthetic rate (P_N) in the regenerated plantlets were tested during different periods of acclimatization.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from cell suspension cultures of Fagus sylvatica L

Summary Embryogenic cell suspension cultures and somatic embryos of five genotypes of beech, were obtained from aged cultures derived from immature zygotic embryos cultured on solid medium containing both 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and N6-benzyladenine. The origin of somatic embryos was traced from single cells. Embryos remained arrested at the globular stage on liquid media, further development was achieved after plating embryogenic aggregates on Murashige and Skoog's medium with half strength major salts supplemented with glutamine and low levels of growth regulators. Cultures of different genotypes showed significant differences in maturation frequency which was not affected by the hormone treatments assayed. The frequency of conversion of embryos into plantlets was low. This frequency increased after cold storage of embryos for up to 7 months.Abbreviations BA N6-benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - EtOH ethanol - GA₃ giberrellic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA naphthalene acetic acid - WPM woody plant medium (Lloyd and McCown, 1980) - Z zeatin     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in the soybean Glycine max

A tissue culture procedure for the regeneration of somatic embryos and plantlets from somatic cells of the soybean Glycine max is described. Bean pods of soybean cv. TGM119 were immersed in liquid nitrogen for 20 minutes. Young embryos were excised from the immature seeds and cultured to form calli. Calli grown from the young embryos were incubated in liquid culture for two weeks. The liquid suspension culture was filtered to obtain single cells. The soybean cells were cultured for one month in a liquid medium in hanging drop cultures for development into proembryoids. The proembryoids were maintained on a solid growth medium for 40 days. The resultant callus tissue was transferred into MS media containing selected combinations and concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Naphthaleneacetic acid, Kinetin, Benzyladenine and Indoleacetic acid. In the presence of Benzyladenine (0.2 mg/l) and Indoleacetic acid (0.01 mg/l), globular and heart shaped somatic embryos were formed on the surface of the calli. Calli containing somatic embryos were transferred into liquid medium and incubated under low light conditions. After six months further incubation, more than 1,000 plantlets and a large number of somatic embryoids at various developmental stages were obtained per flask.Abbreviations KT kinetin - CM coconut milk - BA benzyladenine - NAA napthalene acetic acid - IAA indole acetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog medium     

水母雪莲体细胞胚胎发生及其植株再生

水母雪莲（Saussurea medusa Maxim.)茎和叶片的切段接种于MS＋2mg/L NAA 0.5mmg/L 6-BA的培养基上,20d后产生黄褐色的愈伤组织,经过几个月的继代培养,愈伤组织仍保持旺盛的增殖能力,但部分由黄褐色逐渐变为红色,将红色愈伤组织转到MS＋0．1mg/L NAA＋0．2mg/L 6-BA 5mg/L GA3的培养基上,30d后可分化出大量的体细胞胚,体细胞胚成熟后转到1／2MS＋0．2mg/L IAA 0.5%活性炭的培养基上,30d后可长出2－4cm的根,带根的小苗经锻炼后移栽到土壤中,成活率达76％,细胞组织学观察表明,发育成熟的体细胞胚具有胚根,胚轴和胚芽的完整结构,具有独立的维管系统。     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from cotyledon explants isolated from emblings and seedlings of hybrid firs

Embryogenic tissues have been initiated on cotyledon explants dissected from seedlings or emblings of hybrid firs. Cotyledons of seedling origin (Abies alba x A. cephalonica) gave a relatively low initiation frequency (1.94 percnt;). In embling-derived cotyledons (Abies alba x A. cephalonica, Abies alba x A. numidica), the initiation was cell-line dependent and reached values between 1.25 and 24.28 percnt;. The established embryogenic cell lines are being maintained in long-term cultures.The origin and development of the somatic embryos have been traced histologically. The early stages of somatic embryo development have been characterised by cell division activity (predominantly periclinal) in the epidermal and subepidermal layers of cotyledons and subsequently by development of nodular structures. Further differentiation led to the formation and emergence of somatic embryos on the surface of cotyledons.Somatic embryo development and plantlet regeneration occurred from proliferating tissues initiated from cotyledons of embling as well as seedling origin.     

Somatic embryogenesis and high frequency plantlet regeneration in callus cultures ofThevetia peruviana

Plantlet regeneration through somatic embryogenesis has been achieved in the apocynaceous medicinal treeThevetia peruviana L. Calluses obtained by culturing young leaf discs on MS medium containing 9 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4.6 M kinetin, when subjected to reduced levels of the growth regulators followed by higher cytokinin treatment, produced numerous somatic embryos. Somatic embryos developed into complete plantlets on a medium devoid of growth regulators. An average of 40–50 plantlets were obtained from 50 mg of embryogenic callus. Survival of transplants was 60% under glasshouse conditions.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Summary The ‘Carabao’ or ‘Manila Super’ mango (Mangifera indica L.), a virtually neglected fruit before the advent of KNO₃ flower induction in the early 1970s, is now the third leading Philippine export fruit after banana and pineapple. To apply biotechnology for improvement, a reliable embryogenesis and regeneration protocol is required. We have developed a protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in mango: eight strains of ‘Carabao’ and two unidentified varieties, PHL 12384 and PHL 12378. Over 40 batches of nucellar explants from immature fruis (0.75–5.0 cm long) were cultured in vitro from April 1999 to April 2000. Two media were used, MMSE. Mango Medium for Somatic Embryo Induction, Proliferation and Germination and MMPR, Mango Medium for Plantlet Regeneration. These are now routinely used. The protocol is reproducible in 14 other varieties of mango. Shifting the base medium from Gamborg's B5 medium to our own formulation. BP medium (Barba and Pate?a's formulation) effectively controlled browning. Browning has limited the successful in vitro culture of many woody species including the mango. Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) 2001 Best Paper Award, Asian Agriculture Congress, Westin Philippine Plaza, Manila, Philippines, April 24–27, 2001 and Philippine Fruit Association 2000 Best Poster Award, 8th National Symposium. PCARRD, Los Ba?os, Laguna, Philippines, November 14–16, 2000.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cotyledon explants of a timber-yielding leguminous tree,Dalbergia sissoo Roxb

Efficient plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis was achieved from callus cultures derived from semi-mature cotyledon explants of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., a timber-yielding leguminous tree. Somatic embryos developed over the surface of embryogenic callus and occasionally, directly from cotyledon explants without intervening callus phase. Callus cultures were initiated from cotyledon pieces of D. sissoo on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 4.52, 9.04, 13.57, and 18.09 mumol/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.46 mumol/L Kinetin. Maximum percentage response for callus formation was 89% on MS medium supplemented with 9.04 mumol/L 2,4-D' and 0.46 mumol/L Kn. Somatic embryogenesis was achieved after transfer of embryogenic callus clumps to 1/2-MS medium without plant growth regulators (1/2-MSO). Average numbers of somatic embryos per callus clump was 26.5 on 1/2-MSO medium after 15 weeks of culture. Addition of 0.68 mmol/L L-glutamine to 1/2-MSO medium enhanced somatic embryogenesis frequency from 55% to 66% and the number of somatic embryos per callus clump from 26.5 to 31.1. Histological studies were carried out to observe various developmental stages of somatic embryos. About 50% of somatic embryos converted into plantlets on 1/2-MSO medium containing 2% sucrose, after 20 days of culture. Transfer of somatic embryos to 1/29-MSO medium containing 10% sucrose for 15 days prior to transfer on 1/2-MS medium with 2% sucrose enhanced the conversion of somatic embryos into plantlets from 50 to 75%. The plantlets with shoots and roots were transferred to 1/2 and 1/4-liquid MS medium, each for 10 days, and then to plastic pots containing autoclaved peat moss and compost mixture (1:1). 70% of the plantiets survived after 10 weeks of transfer to pots. 120 regenerated plantlets out of 150 were successfully acclimatised. After successful acclimatisation, plants were transferred to earthen pots.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from cell suspension cultures of palmarosa grass (Cymbopogon martinii)

A cell suspension culture was established from nodal callus ofCymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats in a liquid medium containing Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal salts, vitamins, 100 mg 1^–1 myo-inositol and 20 g l^–1 of sucrose (MS) that was supplemented with 13.6 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1.15 M kinetin. An initial inoculum density of 2 x 10⁴ cells ml^–1exhibited optimum cell growth. Calli were obtained 12–15 days after the suspension was plated onto semisolid medium of a similar composition. When calli were transferred to semisolid regeneration medium containing MS + 6.7 M N ⁶-benzyl-adenine + 1.15 M kinetin, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration occurred after 10–25 days. There was no significant decrease in the regeneration potential of the calli even when the cultures were initiated from 47-week-old cell suspensions. Chromosome counts of cells in suspensions, calli and somatic embryos derived from cultures of different ages revealed the presence of diploids, tetraploids and octaploids. However, the 33 regenerated plants tested were all diploid, indicating that only diploid cells were capable of regeneration in vitro.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal salts with vitamins (100 mg1^–1 myo-inositol, 20 g1^–1 sucrose) - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BA N ⁶-benzyl-adenine - Kn kinetin - MSC MS + 13.6 M 2,4-D + 1.15 M Kn - MSR MS +6.7 M BA + 1.15 M Kn     

珍稀濒危植物蒙古扁桃的组织培养及植株再生

对珍稀濒危植物蒙古扁桃进行组织培养获得再生植株。实验结果表明,在MS培养基上蒙古扁桃幼苗茎尖,茎切段和叶片等外植体均可以脱分化形成愈伤组织,并进一步分化形成再生植株。器官的脱分化与再分化决定于培养基中的激素种类及其浓度。诱导愈伤组织形成的最适培养基为MS＋6－BA0.8mg/L NAA0.1mg/L,芽分化诱导最适培养基为MS＋6－BA0.8mg/L,诱导生根的最适培养基是MS＋IBA0.5mg/L。     

东北刺人参falcarindiol制备及其抗结肠癌作用机制研究

为建立一种快速高效的falcarindiol(FAD)制备程序并探讨其抑制结肠癌细胞HCT-116增殖作用与调控细胞周期阻滞相关基因之间的关系。研究使用硅胶柱色谱富集及制备HPLC分离纯化得到了FAD单体,依据波谱数据鉴定其结构;采用MTS法检测FAD对结肠癌细胞HCT-116的细胞毒活性,运用流式细胞术、RT-qPCR以及Westernblotting法分别检测FAD对结肠癌细胞HCT-116周期影响、周期阻滞基因β-catenin、cyclinD1和c-myc的mRNA水平及蛋白表达的作用。结果显示建立制备HPLC方法可以较快速稳定地得到较高纯度的FAD。FAD对结肠癌细胞HCT-116具有明显的细胞毒活性,与HCT-116细胞作用24、48、72h的IC50值分别为8.1±1.4、4.6±0.5、3.2±0.4μmoL/L。此外,FAD将HCT-116细胞周期阻滞在G2/M期,且能够显著下调Wnt/β-catenin通路中的β-catenin、cyclinD1和c-myc基因的转录及表达。据此推断FAD可能是通过调节Wnt/β-catenin信号通路阻滞HCT-116细胞生长周期进而抑制其细胞的增殖来产生抗结直肠癌的作用。     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.)

Summary Somatic embryogenesis in American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) was investigated from three explant sources (root, leaf and epicotyl) with Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different growth regulators. Mature roots and leaves obtained from 3- to 5-yr-old field-grown plants, and seedling leaves and epicotyls from plantlets grownin vitro, were evaluated. From root and epicotyl explants, callus development was optimal with 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba) (9.0 μM) and kinetin (KN) (5.0 μM) as the growth regulators. When these calluses were transferred after 3 mo. to dicamba alone (9.0 μM), somatic embryo formation was observed at an average frequency of 15.6% in root explants after an additional 3 mo., and 2% in epicotyl explants after an additional 6 mo. No plantlets were recovered because the embryos germinated to form shoots with no roots. From leaf explants, callus growth was optimal with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 10.0 μM and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 9.0 μM. Somatic embryos developed on this medium, with the highest frequency (40%) obtained after 3 mo. from seedling-leaf explants. Calluses on mature leaves formed somatic embryos after 7 mo. with NAA/2,4-D at an average frequency of 30%. Transfer of these somatic embryos to 6-benzyladenine/gibberellic acid (4.4/2.9 μM) promoted shoot development but no roots were observed. Up to 100% of germination was observed within 6 wk on half-strength MS salts containing activated charcoal (1%) and on NAA/2,4-D (5.0/4.5 μM) with charcoal (1%). On the latter medium, somatic embryos enlarged and frequently gave rise to new somatic embryos after a brief callusing phase. The embryos germinated through a two-stage process, involving the elongation of the root followed by the formation of a shoot. The highest recovery of ginseng plantlets from germinated embryos was 61.0%. Following transfer to potting medium and maintenance under conditions of high humidity and low light intensity, the plantlets elongated and developed new leaves. A high percentage (50%) of these plants have been acclimatized to soil.     

Somatic embryogenesis and DNA organization of genomes from selected Daucus species

Under identical culture conditions, only 8 out of 12 species and subspecies of the genus Daucus proved capable of somatic embryogenesis. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis indicated a polymorphism between the genomes of individual species that were capable of embryogenesis and those that were not. Two specific bands (1.1 kbp, 0.68 kbp) were detected only in the genomes of individuals with the capacity for embryogenesis. These were cloned and sequenced, and the homology of the nucleotide sequences of the various species was detected: this ranged from 74% to 92% for the larger sequence and from 92% to 97% for the smaller one. These DNA sequences would appear to be useful as a marker of the capacity for somatic embryogenesis in the genus Daucus.     

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.     

In vitro plantlet regeneration of Ocotea catharinensis,an endangered Brazilian hardwood forest tree

A successful system of somatic embryogenesis is described for the forest tree Ocotea catharinensis Mez., which used mature zygotic embryo explants cultured on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with activated charcoal, at 25°C in the dark. A medium composed of MS supplemented with 2% (w/v) sucrose, 0.3% (w/v) activated charcoal (AC), 362 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d) and 0.8% (w/v) Technical Agar Grade III was used for multiplication of embryogenic cultures. Development up to the globular-stage was achieved using Lloyd and McCown woody plant medium (WPM) with 2.0% sucrose, 0.3% AC, 181 M 2,4-d and 0.8% Technical Agar Grade III. Significant effects of media pH on differentiation of early pro-embryogenic Ocotea cell aggregates were found. Low pH of media (ca. 3–4) appeared to prevent differentiation of proembryogenic cell aggregates whereas higher pH levels (ca. 5–5.5) favoured the formation of globular structures. Once globular structures formed, they developed further to form cotyledonary somatic embryos, under the same set of culture conditions. Successful conversion of these somatic embryos to plantlets was achieved after culture on a medium composed of 1/2-strength WPM (minerals only) with 2% sucrose, 0.3% AC, 0.8% Technical Agar Grade III and 90.5 M 2,4-d, followed by transfer to a medium composed of 1/2-strength WPM (minerals only) with 2% sucrose, 0.8% Technical Agar Grade III and 0.905 M 2,4-d and 1.4 M gibberellic acid, in a 16-h photoperiod regime.