SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND PLANT-REGENERATION FROM LEAF DERIVED CALLUSOF WINGED BEAN [PSOPHOCARPUS-TETRAGONOLOBUS (L) DC]

Somatic embryos were obtained from callus cultures derived from leaf e xplants of the winged bean, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC. Initi ation and development of the somatic embryos occurred with a two-step culture method. Callus cultures initiated on MS medium with NAA and BA P, upon transfer to a new medium with IAA and BAP, produced somatic em bryos. Maximum embryogenesis of 60% was obtained on induction medium w ith 0.5 mg/l NAA plus 1.0 mg/l BAP followed by transfer to a secondary medium with 0.1 mg/l IAA and 2.0 mg/l BAP. Optimal embryo germination and plantlet development was achieved on MS medium with 0.2 mg/l BAP plus 0.1 mg/l IBA, The regenerated plants were successfully transferre d to glasshouse conditions.