Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

Establishment of efficient protocol for the induction of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from embryonic axes explants was achieved in Glycine max (L.) Merr. Highest frequency (92.9%) of embryogenic callus formation was obtained from embryonic axes explants of cv. CO-1 on MS media containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyl adenine (BA). Fast growing, yellowish nodular callus lines containing somatic embryos were established on initiation medium supplemented with 180.8 μM 2,4-D and 2.22 μM BA, respectively. Embryo development and maturation was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 2.26 μM 2,4-D and 8.88 μM BA. The well formed embryos germinated into complete plantlets on MS medium containing 8.88 μM BA and 1.34 μM NAA (α-Naphthalene acetic acid). The regenerated plants were first transferred to plastic cups and later into pots for maturation. Regenerated plants did not exhibit observable morphological alterations.