Evidence of somatic embryogenesis form root tip explants of the rattan Calamus manan

Somatic embryogenesis of Calamus manan, a single-stemmed rattan species, in tissue culture was scientifically demonstrated for the first time. Root ti ps of in vitro plantlets produced friable callus when the explants were cul tivated for several mo. on a Murashige and Skoog induction medium containin g 7.5 mg Picloram per I (31.1 mu m). Histological analyses established the presence of proembryos within the callus which differentiated subsequently into somatic embryos using the same culture medium. Histological examinatio n revealed that these somatic embryos completely lacked starch and protein reserves, which did not prevent them, however, from germinating, and showin g bipolar development. These somatic embryos further developed into young p lants, similarly to zygotic embryos.