DIRECT SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS FROM MATURE EMBRYO AXES IN CHICKPEA (CICER-ARIETINUM L)

An efficient protocol has been developed for inducing direct somatic e mbryogenesis from mature embryo axes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Somatic embryogenesis was induced on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) solid and liquid medium with 3.0 mg/l of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) within 10-12 and 3-4 weeks, respectively. Histological secti ons confirmed the direct origin of embryos from the explant. Embryos w ere transferred to half strength MS medium with 0.1 mg/l abscisic acid for maturation and 1.0 mg/l zeatin for conversion. Following conversi on, the regenerated plantlets were transferred to soil.