HIGH FREQUENCY SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS FROM COTYLEDONARY EXPLANTS OF INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA LINN

Protocol was standardized for the rapid clonal propagation through high frequency indirect somatic embryogenesis from the cotyledonary explants of a medicinally and commercially important plant, I. tinctoria Linn. Maximum embryogenic callus was induced from explants cultured on MS medium amended with 2, 4-D (0.5 mgl-1) and BA (0.5 mgl-1). Abnormal somatic embryos were developed from NAA and BA containing cultures. Among different additives or amino acids used, L-glutamine enhanced maximum high frequency embryogenic callus formation. Embryogenic calluses, when subcultured to ? MS basal medium induced maximum embryo conversion. BA or KIN along with MS or ? MS medium also enhanced the development of embryos. Maturation and rooting of somatic embryos took place in ? MS solid medium enriched with 5% sucrose. Plantlets derived from somatic embryos were hardened in sugar free liquid ? MS basal medium. Subsequent transfer of hardened plantlets to vermiculite and then to soil recorded maximum survival.