GENOTYPE EFFECT ON SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND PLANT-REGENERATION OF VITIS SPP

The effect of genotype on grapevine embryogenic culture was studied on eight Vitis spp. Cultures were obtained from excised anthers, isolate d from flower buds. Somatic embryogenesis was achieved from 6 of the 8 varieties at various frequencies. Embryos were germinated either on s olid or in liquid medium in the dark before being exposed to light. Th e regeneration rate ranged from 8 to 81 %. For induction of recurrent somatic embryogenesis, torpedoes and early cotyledonary stage somatic embryos were employed applying two plant growth regulator treatments. Results demonstrate that grape cultivars are highly variable in their response to induce somatic embryogenesis, recurrent somatic embryogene sis and germination of embryos.