Evolution of Ethylene and Methane in Relation to Somatic Embryogenesis in Chickpea

In four genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) BG 362, BG 372, BG 329 and C235 the relationship between somatic embryogenesis of leaf explants and ethylene and methane evolution was studied. In BG 362, which was more embryogenic than other genotypes, a higher ethylene:methane ratio of 5.8:1 at day one after inoculation in the induction medium and a lower ethylene:methane ratio of 2.89:1 in the maturation medium was found. On the contrary, in BG 372 with the least embryogenic potential, a lower ethylene:methane ratio of 1.7:1 in the induction medium and a higher ethylene:methane ratio of 4:1 in the maturation medium was found. Thus, these ratios in induction and maturation stages seems to be markers for embryogenesis in leaf explants of chickpea. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.