Induction of direct somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from mature cotyledon explants of Arachis hypogaea L.

A plant regeneration method via direct somatic embryogenesis was achieved i n cotyledon explants derived from mature, dry seeds of Arachis hypogaea L. According to histological observations, somatic embryogenesis was induced d irectly without any intervening callus on MS medium supplemented with diffe rent concentrations of BAP along with 2.68 mu M NAA after 4 weeks of cultur e. The incidence of somatic embryogenesis was greater at the distal end of the cotyledon than the remaining portion. The range of embryogenesis freque ncy was 10.7 to 80.2%, depending on the BAP concentration in combination wi th NAA. The best response was observed on MS medium containing 22.19 mu M B AP along with 2.68 mu M NAA. The embryos matured and germinated on fresh me dium with or without growth regulators. A large percentage of somatic embry os developed into normal plants producing viable seeds. Some embryos produc ed flower buds on the germination medium.