Artificial seeds of pepper somatic embryos

1st International Symposium on Solanacea for Fresh Market -- MAR 28-31, 1995 -- MALAGA, SPAINWOS: 000071774700011Artificial seeds are a potential method for delivering somatic embryos to the field. Mature somatic embryos were encapsulated in calcium alginate gel using different concentrations of sodium alginate (2-6%) and calcium chloride (25-100 mM) in order to determine the effect of rigidity of bead on the conversion frequency of somatic embryos, MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose was used far germination. Variability was obtained between sodium alginate and calcium cloride concentration with respect to % germination. Plant regeneration frequency decreased with an increase in sodium alginate concentration above 3%. 3% sodium alginate and 75 mM calcium chloride gave the best conversion and optimum bead rigidity and shape. In vitro and in vivo conversion of naked and encapsulated embryos were compared.Int Soc Hort Sci, Spanish Soc Hort Sci, Consejo Super Invest Cient, Junta Andalucia, Consejeria Agr & Pesca, Plan Nacl Invest Cientif & Desarrollo Tecnol, Excma, Diputac Malaga, British Council, Cajas Rurales Granada & Malaga, Unicaja, MSD Agvet, Haifa Chem, Ferquis