In vitro somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in anchote [Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cong.]

An experiment was conducted to investigate an in vitro somatic embryogenesis and subsequent plantlet regeneration in KUWE (G1) and 223098 (G2) genotypes of anchote. Concentrations and combinations of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-Benzylamimopurine (BAP) were evaluated for embryogenic callus induction. Levels of BAP, singly and in combination with 2, 4-D were tested on full and half nutrient-strength of Murashige and Skoog medium (FMS and HMS) for somatic embryo development. Levels of BAP under FMS and HMS with and without activated charcoal (AC) were evaluated for plantlet regeneration. Highly embryogenic callus, in both genotypes, was obtained on a medium supplemented with 8 mg/L + 1 mg/L BAP. The highest (36.25) number of somatic embryos, in G2, was recorded from HMS + 2 mg/L BAP while FMS + 0.5 mg/L BAP produced 34 somatic embryos in G1. Maximum shoot number in both genotypes and the maximum number of shoots simultaneously developed with root in G2 (4) were obtained on FMS + AC + 2 mg/L BAP. While the maximum number of shoots simultaneously developed with root in G1 (3.75) was obtained on FMS + AC + 1 mg/L BAP. About 42% of plantlets in G1 and 34% in G2, survived after a month of acclimatization.