Somatic embryogenesis in Brassica nigra (Koch)

Four genotypes of Brassica nigra were tested for their ability to produce somatic embryos in vitro. Seedling-derived hypocotyl explants cultured in MS medium with p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, α-naphthaleneacetic acid and adenine gave rise to embryos that could germinate into seedlings with a high frequency on transfer to medium containing benzylaminopurine riboside and p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid. Ebryogenesis was highest in leaf explants followed by stem and hypocotyls. Comparison of the embryogenic response of hypocotyl segments differing in age indicated an increase in the frequency of response with increasing age of the explants. However, germination of embryos into seedlings declined with increasing age of the explant. Embryogenesis was higher in MS medium compared to five other media with similar growth regulator composition. Genotypic differences exist for frequency of embryogenesis and subsequent maturation into seedlings