In Vitro Somatic Embryogenesis from Seedling Explants of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

A rapid highly repetitive and efficient protocol was developed for inducing indirect somatic embryogenesis using seedling explants of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) viz., immature cotyledon, mature cotyledon, stem and leaf segments. Explants were cultured on MS semisolid medium with various concentrations of 2,4-D and kinetin and the optimum treatment for the induction of somatic embryogenesis was MS+ 22.62�M, 2,4D+2.32�M kinetin. All the explants gave a positive. However, conversion of embryos into shoot was not observed. Embryos derived from immature cotyledon developed upto the cotyledonary stage. In the case of stem, mature cotyledon and leaf explants, the development of embryos did not progress beyond heart shaped stage. In addition to the concentration of growth regulators, age of the explant also had an effect on embryogenic frequency.