Somatic embryogenesis and shoot regeneration induced in cucumber leaves

Abstract

Commercial cucumber cultivars were explored for embryogenesis and plant regeneration induced in somatic tissues on plant growth regulators (PGRs). Maximum callus induction 94.16% and 76 % was observed in leaf disc explants on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2 mgL-1), NAA and BAP (1.5 mgL-1, each), respectively. Seed cotyledon explants induced maximum calli (77%) on 4.0 + 0.75 mgL-1 (BAP + NAA, respectively). Calli induced in leaf disc on the highest level of 2,4-D (5 mgL-1) yielded the highest embryo formation (23%) whereas calli induced on BAP and BAP + NAA (5 + 1 mgL-1) regenerated into 14 % and 12%, shoots respectively. These shoots were excised and rooted on MSO medium. The plantlets were transplanted in pots and transferred to field after acclimatization. The developed plant material will be morphologically and genetically characterized for homozygosity.