SPONTANEOUS SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND PLANT-REGENERATION FROM ROOT CULTURES OF PEUCEDANUM-PALUSTRE

The regeneration of Peucedanum palustre (L.) Moench (milk parsley) was established for the first time via somatic embryogensis from primary root cultures. Callus formation occurred on the root cultures and show ed spontaneous embryogenic capability on B5 basal medium supplemented with a low concentration of indoleacetic acid (5.5 x 10(-7) M). 2,4-Di chlorophenoxyacetic acid was not needed for the initiation of embryoge nesis. The somatic embryos and formed plantlets on hormone-free B5 med ium. These plantlets were easily transferable to pots, and are present ly passing their second growing season in the greenhouse. Development of the somatic embryos progressed through the globular, heart-shaped, torpedo-shaped, and cotyledonary stages, typical of zygotic embryos. S ynchronization performed by sieving the embryos did not affect the dev elopment time. The culture has retained its embryogenic capacity for 2 5 months.