In vitro Plant Regeneration from Encapsulated Somatic Embryos of Black Pepper ( Piper nigrum L.)

摘要

A successful encapsulation protocol was developed for somatic embryos of black pepper to produce synthetic seeds. Sodium alginate concentration of 4% (w/v) was ideal at a calcium chloride concentration of 100 mM to produce capsules of perfect morphology and sufficient gel strength. Encapsulation affected the percentage of germination of somatic embryos depending upon the concentration of sodium alginate used, with a drastic reduction at 5% and above. Preliminary studies on storage indicated that the somatic embryos encapsulated in 4% sodium alginate can be successfully stored at culture room temperature on agar-gelled SH basal salt solution up to 45 days. Storage at low temperature of 4°C found to be lethal. Non-encapsulated somatic embryos were not suitable for storage. Possibility of direct sowing of synthetic seeds in the soil was also examined.