EMBRYOGENESIS INDUCTION IN PETALS OF ARAUJIA-SERICIFERA

The embryogenic capacity of Araujia sericifera petals and some of the factors involved in the induction of embryos was investigated. The inf luence of 6-benzyladenine and alpha-naphthalene acetic acid, light int ensity (90 or 5 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) and silver thiosulphate (inhibitor of ethylene action) were studied. It was found that petals are an eas y system in which to induce somatic embryogenesis. Plants were recover ed from somatic embryos. Although 6-benzyladenine is essential for ind ucing an efficient response, a high dosage increased callogenesis and reduced embryogenesis. The highest rate of embryogenesis is induced wi th high light intensity (90-100 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)), even though the p resence of silver thiosulphate in the medium markedly reduced embryo i nduction.