High efficiency somatic embryogenesis and plant germination in grapevine cultivars Chardonnay and Brachetto a grappolo lungo

A highly efficient, reproducible method for somatic embryogenesis induction , plant recovery and embryogenic culture preservation has been developed fo r cvs Chardonnay and Brachetto a grappolo lungo (Vitis vinifera), starting from immature anthers and ovaries. Embryogenic induction efficiency was 2 % and 17 % in anthers for Chardonnay and Brachetto g.l., respectively, and 1 4 % in ovaries for both cultivars. Embryogenic cultures of both genotypes a re still propagating 3.5 years after the initial induction and are still mo rphogenic. Embryo conversion into plantlets occurred at suitable efficienci es during a 100 d culture for both Chardonnay (37 % and 15 %) and Brachetto g.l. (30 % and 29 %), in the two media tested. Organogenesis was also obta ined from cotyledonary leaves of Chardonnay.