Somatic embryogenesis in Mucuna pruriens

This study reports the induction of somatic embryos in Mucuna pruriens. Different explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 11.31 iM 2,4-D produced golden yellow embryogenic callus that induced synchronized embryo development on MS basal liquid medium. Organization of pre-embryonic mass was noticed 15 d after sub culturing the callus, which progressively developed to globular, heart, torpedo and cotyledonary shaped embryos. Attempts to germinate them did not succeed as the cotyledonary embryos turned characteristic red and subsequently brown before finally turning black and unresponsive. The reaction was consistent across different media constituents, hormonal concentrations and pH ranges. Supplementation of anti-oxidants was also ineffective. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the brown and non-brown embryos revealed quantitative differences in protein contents between the two. More detailed study is necessary to establish the precise cause for embryo browning and ways of its regulation.