Influence of Boron on Somatic Embryogenesis in Papaya

Influence of boron on somatic embryogenesis in papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Honey Dew was investigated. Immature zygotic embryos were grown in the induction medium containing Murashige and Skoog basal salts, with B₅ vitamins, picloram (1 mg dm⁻³) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2 mg dm⁻³) and different concentrations of boric acid (30 to 500 mg dm⁻³). Maximum somatic embryo initiation was observed at 62 mg dm⁻³ boric acid irrespective of the growth regulator used. The cotyledonary stage somatic embryos were germinated on MS basal medium devoid of growth regulators. The regenerated plantlets were hardened under greenhouse conditions and transferred to field. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.