Morphological and histological ontogeny of Somatic embryogenesis in Centrolobium ochroxylum

Abstract

Centrolobium ochroxylum, a forest species is of great commercial value. Indirect somatic embryogenesis has been developed from leaf explants for Centrolobium ochroxylum. Seven different media were tested for the induction. Embryogenic callus was observed using half strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of picloram under complete dark conditions. Medium supplemented with 5 mg/l picloram showed the highest percentage (68%) of embryogenic callus. The histological observation revealed the presence of isodiametric cells with a prominent nucleus at the centre. Development of somatic embryos was also observed in another three media without plant growth regulators. Starch grains and storage proteins were observed in matured somatic embryos. This is the first report on somatic embryogenesis in Centrolobium ochroxylum.