Somatic embryogenesis

In the present study a highly efficient and reproducible protocol was established to regenerate direct somatic embryogenesis from hypocotyl segments (HYP) of Murraya koenigii. The surface sterilized seeds were inoculated on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium for germination. Explants were obtained from 60 days old axenic seedlings of Murraya koenigii and cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyleaminopurine (BAP) 0.56 to 8.89 μM and thidiazuron (TDZ) 0.48 to 9.37μM. The globular embryos originated from cut ends and entire surface of the hypocotyl explants within 35-40 days. The highest rate of conversion of torpedo, heart and cotyledonary stages from globular stage was obtained in MS medium supplemented with 7.98 μM TDZ. The matured somatic embryos were transferred to the MS basal medium without Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs). Highest 81% of the matured embryos were germinated on transfer to ½ MS basal medium without PGR, where they grew for a further 4-5 weeks.