| Abstract: | A method is described for the production of somatic embryos of Cyclamen persicum Mill. in liquid medium. Five steps are involved; initiation of embryogenic cell lines, proliferation of pro-embryogenic masses (PEMs) on auxin-containing medium, development of somatic embryos on hormone-free medium with high osmolarity, germination and subsequent plantlet formation. Cell lines were initiated by culturing the explant, the seedling tuber, directly in liquid medium. Three parameters were important for obtaining embryogenic cell lines; explant density, hormone concentrations and subculture regime. The rate of uptake of the hormones 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin influenced the formation of PEMs. Highly embryogenic cell lines were obtained only when PEMs had formed within 5–7 weeks. PEMs were proliferated for at least 24 months and could be isolated from each subculture for the production of somatic embryos. A high sucrose content (175 m M ) in the development medium without hormones ensured efficient embryo development from PEMs. A subsequent subculture in low sucrose concentration (58 m M ) induced the formation of a tuber, thus promoting germination. Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) from carrot seeds and AGPs bound by the monoclonal antibody ZUM 18 increased the number of PEMs in a culture, showing that the activity of AGPs is not species specific. |
