RESPONSE OF THE TEPARY BEAN PHASEOLUS ACUTIFOLIUS A. GREY, TO TISSUE CULTURE SYSTEMS

The responses of the tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) to in vitro tissue culture systems were documented. Tests were conducted to identify the optimal auxin and cytokinin combinations required for optimal callus growth. Regeneration experiments were conducted to: (1) determine the effect of explant source and age on regeneration, (2) effect of callus age on regeneration, (3) the cultivation status of the explant source, and (4) the effects of nutritional additives on somatic embryogenesis. The callus was easily induced and maintained in all hormonal medias except those containing IAA and 6BA. The results for regeneration were most promising from cultures derived from immature cotyledon tissue. Ammonium Chloride, glutamine and Absisic acid appeared to have little affect on embryogenesis, however the addition of kinetin enabled the embryos to develop to the torpedo stage. Callus age and cultivative status of explant source had no effects on plantlet regeneration