Cm. Baker et Hy. Wetzstein, LEAFLET DEVELOPMENT, INDUCTION TIME, AND MEDIUM INFLUENCE SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN PEANUT (ARACHIS-HYPOGAEA L.), Plant cell reports, 17(12), 1998, pp. 925-929
Factors affecting somatic embryogenesis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.
) using leaflet explants of seedlings obtained from aseptically germin
ated embryo axes were evaluated. Somatic embryogenesis was influenced
by developmental stage, leaflet size, induction medium, and time on in
duction medium. Leaflets that were 5-7 mm long had a greater embryogen
ic response than smaller or larger leaflets. Percent embryogenesis and
mean number of embryos were related to the developmental stage of ger
minating seedlings. A greater response was obtained if leaflets were f
olded and closely appressed. Preselection of leaflets increased percen
t embryogenesis from 21% up to 67%. As leaflets unfolded, embryogenesi
s decreased; open leaflets lost the potential for embryogenesis. The o
ptimal induction conditions were a 7-day incubation period on Murashig
e and Skoog medium with 136 mu M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.
93 mu M kinetin. Somatic embryos germinated to form plants that exhibi
ted a normal morphology.