Somatic embryogenesis in leguminous plants

Citation
P. Lakshmanan et A. Taji, Somatic embryogenesis in leguminous plants, PLANT BIO, 2(2), 2000, pp. 136-148
Citations number
163
Categorie Soggetti
Plant Sciences","Animal & Plant Sciences
Journal title
PLANT BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
14358603 → ACNP
Volume
2
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
136 - 148
Database
ISI
SICI code
1435-8603(200003)2:2<136:SEILP>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
This review examines recent advances in the induction and development of so matic embryos in leguminous plants. Emphasis has been given to identify the current trends and successful strategies for the establishment of somatic embryogenic systems, particularly in the economically important species. It appears that, in legumes, somatic embryogenesis can be realized relatively easily especially in young meristematic tissues such as immature embryos a nd developing leaves. In the majority of the species examined, chlorophenox yacetic acids remained the most active inductive compounds; however, the ne w generation growth regulators such as thidiazuron are emerging as successf ul alternatives for high-frequency direct regeneration of somatic embryos, even from well differentiated explant tissues. Low-frequency embryo product ion, poor germination and conversion of somatic embryos into plantlets and somaclonal variation are the major impediments limiting the utility of soma tic embryogenesis for biotechnological applications in legumes. These limit ations, however, may be considerably reduced in the near future, as more ne wly developed growth regulators with specific morphogenic targets become av ailable for experimentation. From the published data, it is apparent that m ore effort should be given to develop repetitive embryogenic systems with h igh frequency of germination and regeneration, since such systems will find immediate application in mass propagation and other crop improvement progr ammes. As our understanding of various morphogenic processes, including gro wth and differentiation of zygotic embryos, is fast expanding, it is concei vable that development of highly efficient somatic embryogenic systems with practical application can be anticipated, at least for the important legum inous crops, in the foreseeable future.