Induction of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch. in vitro

Abstract

Direct somatic embryogenesis induction of Begonia x hiemalis Fotsch. (Elatior Begonia) was initiated from two different explants i.e., leaves and petioles. Both explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The results showed that combinations of 0.5-1.0 mg L-1 BAP and 0.1 mg L-1 2,4-D produced direct somatic embryogenesis from leaf and petiole explants. Different concentrations of casein hydrolysate were also tested to optimize somatic embryo induction. The results showed that 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate could produce 53.08% nodular callus and 24.16% green embryogenic callus, whereas 500 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate produced 30.83% nodular callus and 23.75% green embryogenic callus. The embryogenic callus were then transferred to MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 Gibberelic Acid (GA3) with 0.2 g L-1 activated charcoal for further embryogenesis development and further regeneration. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.