SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND REGENERATION OF PLANTLET IN SAFFRON, CROCUS SATIVUS L.

Somatic embryogenesis was initiated in C. sativus L. from shoot meristems on LS medium containing BAP (2×10-5 M)+NAA (2×10-5 M). Various stages of somatic embryogenesis were observed in the same medium and the development was asynchronous. Somatic embryo development proceeded through well recognized sequences (globular to embryoids) with clearly discernible bipolar regions. Matured embryos could be germinated on half-strength MS medium containing GA3 (25 mg/l). Complete plantlets with well developed root system and corm formation were obtained on transferring germinated embryos to half strength MS medium supplemented with BAP (5×10-6 M)+NAA (5×10-6 M).