Effect of selected amino acids and polyethylene glycol on maturation and germination of somatic embryos of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Abstract

Two selected amino acids (l-glutamine and l-proline) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were evaluated for their effects on maturation and germination of somatic embryos in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Banarasi local. Among the treatments of two amino acids (l-glutamine and l-proline) and PEG tested, 0.87 mM l-proline was most effective for maturation of somatic embryos. As compared to control, supplementation of PEG (1.0% or 2.0%) in maturation media showed significantly better maturation (increased maturation frequency). Lower stage somatic embryos showed prematuration germination with development of abnormal plantlets and only mature somatic embryos produced morphologically normal plantlets. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.