Histological analysis of somatic embryogenesis and adventitious shoot formation from root explants of Centaurium erythreae Gillib

Abstract

Direct somatic embryogenesis and adventitious shoot formation were successfully achieved from root explants of Centaurium erythrea Gillib. cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium with half-strength macronutrients, full-strength micronutrients and vitamins, 3 % sucrose, 0.7 % agar, 100 mg dm(-3) myo-inositol and without growth regulators. Histological studies revealed that somatic embryos were formed directly from epidermal cells and adventitious buds were developed from meristematic cells in root cortex tissues. Somatic embryos as well as adventitious shoots developed into whole plantlets.