Optimization of the conditions for an efficient induction of somatic embryogenic calli and regeneration of plants from mature seeds of japonica rice cultivars was attempted. The number, color, size, shape, and appearance time of the induced embryogenic calli varied among the rice cultivars depending on the type of basal medium (LS, MS, N6). Presence of adequate amount of sucrose in the medium was an absolute requirement for embryogenic callus formation and shoot induction. Induction of the embryogenic calli, whose overall rates ranged from 30 to 56%, was most efficient in N6 medium supplemented with 3.0 mg l(-1) of 2,4-D and 30 g l(-1) of sucrose. Agar concentration in the regeneration medium was also critical for the shoot induction. Kinetin was found to be more effective for shoot regeneration compared with BA, while the highest shoot regeneration frequencies were observed when either cytokinin was combined with high concentration (2.0 mg l(-1)) of NAA. The optimal concentration of kinetin for the highest shoot regeneration frequency (67similar to77%) was different among the cultivars tested. The embryogenic calli-derived shoots rooted on a plant growth regulator-free MS medium were successfully established in soil, producing fertile seeds.
