Induction of direct somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from mature cotyledon explants of Arachis hypogaea L.

A plant regeneration method via direct somatic embryogenesis was achieved in cotyledon explants derived from mature, dry seeds of Arachis hypogaea L. According to histological observations, somatic embryogenesis was induced directly without any intervening callus on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP along with 2.68 mu M NAA after 4 weeks of culture. The incidence of somatic embryogenesis was greater at the distal end of the cotyledon than the remaining portion. The range of embryogenesis frequency was 10.7 to 80.2%, depending on the BAP concentration in combination with NAA. The best response was observed on MS medium containing 22.19 mu M BAP along with 2.68 mu M NAA. The embryos matured and germinated on fresh medium with or without growth regulators. A large percentage of somatic embryos developed into normal plants producing viable seeds. Some embryos produced flower buds on the germination medium.