Induction of Somatic Embryos from Leaf and Stem Nodal Section Explants of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Somatic embryogenesis can be used as an alternative method to obtain high-quality potato seedlings. This research was conducted in order to evaluate: the potential of different types of explants to produce somatic embryos; combinations of 2,4-D and BAP for somatic embryo induction; and the ability of BAP to act as growth regulator for the somatic embryo maturation process. Young leaf and stem nodal sections were cultured in MS media supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP. The developing calli were then transferred into media\udcontaining several concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP. The embryogenic calli were then transferred into media containing 1-5 μM BAP. The results show that MS media containing 2,5 µM 2,4-D + 5 µM BAP and µM 2,4-D + 0.5 µM BAP were the most suitable for inducing somatic embryos from leaf explants and stem nodal section explants, respectively. The somatic embryos were well-developed in the MS media supplemented with 5 µM BAP. The stem nodal section explants were able to produce a higher percentage of globular, heart and torpedo stage embryos compared with the leaf explants. Based on this research, stem nodal section explants have a high potential for producing somatic embryos induced in medium containing 1 μM 2,4-D + 0.5 μM BAP