Somatic embryogenesis from the leaf tissues of continuously subcultured shoots in Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.).

Abstract

Indirect somatic embryogenesis occurred in Japanese persimmon 'Fuyu' Ieaf segments which were cut from shoots one year plus four or five weeks after the beginning of subculturing on Murashige and Skoog's medium which contained half strength nitrogen (1/2 NMS) supplemented with 10-5M zeatin. Embryo formation was increased by the addition of 10-6M BAP and 10-5 M NAA to the same 1/2NMS medium in which the shoots had been cultured. Leaf segments planted with their obverse sides in contact with the medium showed a higher percentage of embryo formation than those planted with their reverse sides in contact.