SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN CELL-SUSPENSION CULTURE OF CARNATION (DIANTHUS-CARYOPHYLLUS L)

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet formation were obtained from 60-75 day old cell cultures of carnation. Callus was generated on MS basal m edium supplemented with 2,4-dichchlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Rem oval of 2,4-D during subsequent subculturing of cell suspensions resul ted in formation of embroids. These somatic embryos originated from si ngle cells and their early development proceeded normally with clearly defined apical and root meristems. Some embryos developed into plants and were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions.