Somatic Embryogenesis in Cassava Genotypes from the Northeast of Brazil

摘要

A method for the induction of somatic embryogenesis in eight cassava genotypes from northeastern Brazil isdescribed. The explants used were shoot apexes isolated both from in vitro grown plants and from shoots thatsprouted from stem cuttings. Somatic embryogenesis was achieved in high frequencies by the addition in theinduction medium of the auxin picloram over a wide range of concentrations. Green cotyledons of primary somaticembryos were used as explants to induce somatic (cyclic) secondary embryogenesis in an inducing mediumsupplemented with picloram at 12 mg/L. The method could be used not only for the mass production of plants of thecassava genotypes, but also to generate explants (green cotyledons of somatic embryos) as themselves excellenttargets for genetic transformation.