Direct somatic embryogenesis from explants obtained from in vitro germinated embryonic axes of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

Abstract

SummaryStudies on direct somatic embryogenesis in several types of explant from in vitro plantlets of tea cultivar TRI 2025 were undertaken to select those most suitable to induce cotyledonary-type somatic embryos. Mature zygotic embryonic axes were surface-sterilised and cultured on MS medium without growth regulators containing 0.6% (w/v) agar. Results showed that 65% of embryonic axes that converted into plantlets at the fifth week of culture had succulent leaves. Several types of explant (normal leaves, large and small succulent leaves, hypocotyl segments and root tips) were isolated from in vitro plantlets at the fifth week and cultured on half-strength MS medium containing 2 mg l–1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.2 mg l–1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Morphological and histological observations on somatic embryogenesis were made. The results indicated that somatic embryos were produced at high frequency (25 – 50%) directly from the surface of hypocotyl segments (HS) and large succulent leaves (LSL) after 6 weeks of culture. Efficient somatic embryogenesis was induced in small succulent leaves (SSL) after 16 weeks. Most somatic embryos originated directly from the cortical tissues of HS or the upper epidermal layers of SSL or LSL. HS and SSL from in vitro plantlets gave the highest production of typical, firm somatic embryos for use in tea improvement programmes and for in vitro conservation of tea germplasm.