INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN HYPOCOTYLS OF ALBIZZIALEBBECK

Hypocotyls of Albizzia lebbeck when cultured on Gamborg's basal medium (devoid of any growth hormone) give rise to somatic embryos, The indu ction of somatic embryogenesis is influenced by light. Both short-dura tion red and far-red light, like white light, considerably enhanced th e number of explants displaying embryogenesis over the dark controls. The number of embryoids per explant was also higher in red-light-irrad iated explants but far-red light was not as effective and, in fact, re versed the effect of red light. The results suggest a possible involve ment of phytochrome in light-mediated somatic embryo formation in this tree species.