Induction of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf callus of Terminalia arjuna Bedd.

Abstract

A protocol for effective plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis has been developed for Terminalia arjuna Bedd. Calluses were initiated from leaves of mature trees on Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) supplemented with 5 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.01 mg l-1 kinetin, 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar. The calli showed differentiation of globular structures when transferred to the MS basal medium. Globular structures enlarged and produced secondary globular structures and/or somatic embryos. Continued production of globular structures, their differentiation into embryos and germination of embryos occurred on the MS medium with 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar. The plantlets were hardened and transferred to the soil. Such in vitro raised plants showed luxuriant growth in field condition.