Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cell suspension derived protoplasts of Solanum melongena (eggplant)

Abstract

Cell suspension cultures of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) were initiated from embryogenic callus cultures and maintained in medium supplemented with either 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Higher yields of protoplasts were obtained from cells grown in 2,4-D than in NAA. The efficiency of cell division was also greater in protoplast cultures derived from cells grown in the presence of 2,4-D. Protoplast-derived cells formed somatic embryos in modified Kao or Nagata and Takebe media which were supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-D. Early stages of embryogenesis were observed in liquid medium; however, these embryos and associated cell colonies were transferred onto agar-solidified medium for subsequent regeneration. Mature plants were established in soil in the greenhouse.