A NOVEL REGENERATION SYSTEM FOR A WILD PASSION FRUIT SPECIES (PASSIFLORA FOETIDA L.) BASED ON DIRECT SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS FROM LEAF EXPLANT

摘要

Direct somatic embryogenesis in leaf explants of Passiflora foetida L. a rare and endangered medicinal plant under threat of extinction has been studied. A detailed study of embryo formation would provide information onto their subsequent development, its germination events and also aid in propagation of this species. Somatic embryo induction in leaf explant was favored by the addition of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2 mg l -1 )and lower cytokinin 6-Benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg l -1 ) along with the highest micro salt concentration (9X) in the induction media, with average induction of 11.0 ± 0.1 globular embryos/1 cm of explant surface. In vitro propagation of P. foetida via somatic embryogenesis was more effective to overcome the chimeral plants with ethylene accumulation by explant in a medium.