Somatic embryogenesis from cell cultures of medicago sativa L. II. the interaction of amino acids with ammonium

Abstract

We report that the proline-enhanced regeneration of alfalfa somatic embryos is dependent upon ammonium ion. Optimization of regeneration occurs when 100 mM proline and 25 mM ammonium is added to the embryogenesis medium. Glutamine was the only amino acid capable of stimulating somatic embryogenesis which was not dependent on ammonium for its effect in alfalfa. Glutamine could substitute for ammonium in proline-stimulated embryogenesis. These results are discussed in light of earlier results of amino acid additions in the somatic embryogenesis of carrot and cotton.