Developmental Aspects of Immature Zamia Embryos Cultured in vitro

Abstract

Early embryo systems of Zamia pumila L. were dissected from ovules and cultured in vitro. At first, growth of suspensors was observed in early embryo systems cultured in July. The flexuous development of the suspensor in vitro can be compared to its coiling way of growth in ovulo. Therefore this contorted development in situ is not due to the pressure exerted by the ovule but is a real ontogenic phase. After two months of culture, suspensor growth is stopped, embryos enlarge and two uneven protuberances identifiable as cotyledons appear. In vitro and in ovulo there is a transfer of location of growth induction.