Efficient Plant Regeneration in Garlic through Somatic Embryogenesis from Root Tip Expiants

The present study was conducted to establish an efficient protocol of plantlet regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in garlic (Allium sativum L.). Root tips measuring 2 to 3 mm were excised and cultured on agar-solidified MS medium containing various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for callus and embryo formation. The optimum concentration of 2,4-D was 0.5 μM. At a concentration higher than 1.0 μM, 2,4-D had an inhibitory effect on callus and embryo formation. Embryos germinated and formed rooted plantlets on MS solid medium containing 5.0 μM kinetin. The number of plantlets regenerated per root tip expiant depended on the concentration of 2,4-D in the callus initiation medium. The plantlets were established in the soil after acclimatization in a growth cabinet. Somatic embryos were morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)