Micropropagation in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Multiple shoots in Arachis hypogaea L. could be induced from the de-embryon ated cotyledons (DC), embryo-axes (EA) and mature whole seeds (MWS) in MS m edium supplemented with different levels of benzylaminopurine (BAP). DC was the most suitable explant with 57.9 % induction and more than 40 shoots pe r explant in 31.6 % of cases. Though EA and MWS had high percent induction at or above 30 mg dm(-3) BAP, only 10 - 14 shoots per explant were observed . In DC, multiple shoots were confined to the proximal end and in EA they o riginated from the axillary bud region. Histological Studies on DC confirme d the origin of shoots from the region of attachment with the embryo. Shoot s could be rooted in MS medium containing 2 g dm(-3) charcoal and 200 mg dm (-3) casein hydrolysate. Sixty percent of the rooted plantlets could be est ablished in the field.