Enhanced development of somatic embryos of Plantago ovata Forsk. By additives

Abstract

Plantago ovata Forsk (commonly known as Isabgul) is an economically important medicinal plant. In the present investigation, in vitro plant regeneration of P. ovata was attempted through somatic embryogenesis. Casein hydrolysate and coconut water were used in different concentrations in Murashige and Skoog medium along with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and N6-benzyladenine to increase the amount of callus and number of somatic embryos. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies followed the developmental stages of embryo formation. Results indicated that optimum concentrations of casein hydrolysate and coconut water are useful for promoting the growth of embryogenic cultures. However, a supra-optimal dose of casein hydrolysate and coconut water induced polyphenol synthesis and caused browning of callus and also eventual death of embryos. The use of additives such as coconut water and casein hydrolysate promotes large-scale production of P. ovata through in vitro somatic embryogenesis.