GROWTH-CONDITIONS INFLUENCE REGENERATION OF ENCAPSULATED CARROT SOMATIC EMBRYOS INTO PLANTLETS

Carrot somatic embryos were encapsulated in calcium alginate beads, wi th or without a maturation step, to produce synthetic seeds. Germinati on and plantlet regeneration frequencies were compared for liquid or s olid nutritive media, and with sucrose supply and sterilization or not . Germination rates were greater than 80% in all treatments except in non-sterilized sand. No conversion occured on a liquid MS medium. Norm al plantlets were 7-22% on agar and 4-40% on sand. Abnormal plantlets were only observed on agar due to secondary embryogenesis. A sterilize d sand growth support supplied with sucrose appears to be most appropr iate to assess morphologically normal plantlet regeneration.