Induction of somatic embryos from leaf and stem nodal section explants of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Somatic embryogenesis can be used as an alternative method to obtain high-quality potato seedlings. this research was conducted in order to evaluate: the potential of different types of explants to produce somatic embryos; combinations of 2,4-d and bap for somatic embryo induction; and the ability of bap to act as growth regulator for the somatic embryo maturation process. young leaf and stem nodal sections were cultured in ms media supplemented with 2,4-d and bap. the developing calli were then transferred into media containing several concentrations of 2,4-d and bap. the embryogenic calli were then transferred into media containing 1-5 μm bap. the results show that ms media containing 2,5 μm 2,4-d + 5 μm bap and μm 2,4-d + 0.5 μm bap were the most suitable for inducing somatic embryos from leaf explants and stem nodal section explants,respectively. the somatic embryos were well-developed in the ms media supplemented with 5 μm bap. the stem nodal section explants were able to produce a higher percentage of globular,heart and torpedo stage embryos compared with the leaf explants. based on this research,stem nodal section explants have a high potential for producing somatic embryos induced in medium containing 1 μm 2,4-d + 0.5 μm bap. © 2014 published by itb journal publisher.