Somatic Embryogenesis and Production of Artificial Seeds in Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl

Somatic embryogenesis of African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) Wendl. from leaf explants was successfully induced in this study. Leaf explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 1.4-5.0 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ) formed somatic embryos (32.7 +/- 1.7%) on the leaf surfaces. Leaf explants cultured on MS with 1.5 mg/L 2,4 Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), and 2.0 mg/L Benzylaminopurine (BAP) formed embryogenic calli which later gave rise to somatic embryos (63.3 +/- 3.2%). Different stages of somatic embryos such as globular, heartshaped, torpedo, and cotyledonary were observed under light and scanning electron microscopes. Subculturing of globular stage of the embryos onto MS basal medium resulted in shoot formation. Embryogenic calli (globular stage) that were transferred onto MS supplemented with 1.8 mg/L TDZ developed further into more advanced stages and ultimately formed shoots. Complete plant regeneration was achieved from both pathways (direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis). Artificial seed was attempted by encapsulation of the somatic embryos in matrix comprise of various concentrations of sodium alginate. The synthetic seeds produced were able to germinate, regenerate, and acclimatise on various substrates.