Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis creates a number of opportunities to facilitate large-scale propagation, synthetic seed production, genetic improvement through somaclonal variation, in vitro mutagenesis, protoplast fusion and genetic transformation. Induction of somatic embryogenesis from the vegetative parts of papaya plant was met with low success rates and a slow process of regeneration. Success depends on the choice of explants, the species being used and on various methods of embryogenesis will study. The most suitable explant for somatic embryogenesis is a large portion of either meristematic tissue or cell that retain an ability to express totipotency. Various investigations were made on somatic embryo induction of Carica spp. such as ovules of immature fruits, zygotic embryos from immature fruits, axillary buds, peduncles of immature fruits etc. In this study, somatic embryo induction from zygotic embryo of an immature fruit was examined. Various concentrations of 2,4-D and two levels of sucrose concentrations with or without addition of glutamine were assessed to determine the best response for induction of somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryo of immature fruits in papaya cv. Red-lady (Carica papaya L.). The results showed that MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 400 mg/l glutamine + 60 g/l sucrose promoted the formation of highest (70%) percentage of somatic embryo and also the average maximum number (35.80±4.40) of somatic embryo per explant. The highest (44%) percentage of somatic embryo germination into complete plantlets were obtained on MS medium devoid of plant growth regulators. The embryo developed only shoots of 22% and only roots of 10% instead of complete plantlet formation in this medium of MS0. The average highest (4.25 ± 0.32 cm) shoot length per germinated somatic embryo derived complete plantlets were also achieved on MS0 medium. The maximum (90%) percentage of root induction and average highest (7.50 ± 0.75) number of root per somatic embryo derived shoot and also the average maximum (5.20 ± 0.40 cm) root length were obtained on MS medium without plant growth regulators. The survival rate of somatic embryo derived plantlets in the field was about 10% to 50% depending on management practices.
Highlights
The quality of human life has been maintained and enhanced for generations by the use of plant and their product
Fitch and Manshardt (1990) established papaya embryogenic culture from immature zygotic embryos, but our study was attempted for understanding usefulness of the seedlings for papaya production and possibility of biotechnological tool being applied in this crop for further improvement
The most popular plant growth regulators used in papaya somatic embryogenesis is 2,4-D and given its success across a wide range of cultivars
Summary
The quality of human life has been maintained and enhanced for generations by the use of plant and their product. It is a wholesome fruit and provides good source of vitamins and minerals in the daily diet of the people [1]. Modern breeding using biotechnological techniques include protoplast fusion [6] and gene transfer via Agrobacterium-mediated method [7] and particle bombardment [8] for tolerant to insect-pest-diseases, prolonged shelf life of fruits or improved other agronomic traits These techniques require the establishment of in vitro culture system such as induction of somatic embryogenesis and recovery of plantlets from the somatic embryo as plant obtained from single cells are non chimeric. Fitch and Manshardt (1990) established papaya embryogenic culture from immature zygotic embryos, but our study was attempted for understanding usefulness of the seedlings for papaya production and possibility of biotechnological tool being applied in this crop for further improvement
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