Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from mature leaf explantsof Eryngium foetidum, a condiment

Eryngium foetidum L. is an important plant cultivated as a leafy vegetable and for its essential oil, which are of high economic value in internationa l trade market. Plants were regenerated through somatic embryogenesis from mature leaf explants of field grown plants. Leaf explants produced dark bro wn, compact callus on Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium with the combination of 1.0 mg l(-1) 2,4- dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.0 mg l(-1) b enzylaminopurine (BAP). Somatic embryos were induced from embryo-forming ca llus cultures on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l (-1) 2,4-D, 2.0 mg l(-1) BAP and 1.0 mg l(-1) gibberellic acid (GA(3)). Sub sequently, conversion of these somatic embryos into plantlets occurred on M S medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l(-1) GA(3) and/or 0.1 mg l(-1) BAP. The regenerated shoots were rooted and elongated on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l(-1) IAA and 1.0 mg l(-1) GA(3). These plantlets were hardened and transferred to the soil.