The effect of explant type on somatic embryogenesis induction in Pisum sativum L.

Abstract

The effect of explant type on somatic embryogenesis induction in Pisum sativum (cv. Oskar and an unregistered line HM-6) was studied. Shoot apices, leaf primordia, and epicotyl fragments of axenically grown, etiolated seedlings, as well as embryonic axes and cotyledon fragments isolated from zygotic embryos at different stages of development, were used as explants. Somatic embryogenesis was induced essentially as described by Griga in 1998 – MS salts and sucrose, B5 Gamborg vitamins, picloram (2.5 μM). After induction period (14 days) all cultures were transferred to the differentiation medium (basal medium as above, auxin omitted). Both in Oskar and HM-6, only shoot apices developed somatic embryos and (with significantly lower frequency) adventitious shoots.