A rapid protocol for somatic embryogenesis from immature leaflets of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis was developed in two groundnut varieties. Somatic embryogenesis was induced from immature leaflets on MS medium with different concentrations of the auxins 2,4-dichlorophenoxyaceti c acid (2,4-D) or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in combination with 0.5 mg/l of the cytokinin BA, The highest frequency of somatic embryo formation occ urred on MS medium fortified with 20 mg 2,4-D per l, Of the two auxins test ed individually 2,4-D was more effective for induction of embryogenesis as well as production of embryos. Embryo development and Maturation was achiev ed on MS medium supplemented with No-benzyladenine (BA) (0.5-2.0 mg/l) and 2,4-D (0.5 mg/l). Plant conversion frequency from somatic embryos was highe st in presence of 2.0 mg BA per l and 0.5 mg: NAA per l. The frequency of e mbryogenesis and plant regeneration was higher in the VRI-2 cultivar than i n the other cultivar tested. Regenerated plants were transferred to soil, g rown to maturity, and produced viable seeds.