Effect of age on somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of 5 Turkish triticale genotypes

Triticale is an important cereal crop grown throughout the world. The study reports somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of 5 Turkish triticale genotypes. The explants were initially cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg dm super(-3) 2,4-D, 500 mg dm super(-3) glutamine, 100 mg dm super(-3) casein hydrolysate, 2% sucrose and 7% agar for two weeks in the dark. The temperature was maintained at 24 plus or minus 2 degree C. Thereafter, the developing embryogenic calli were transferred to MS medium without 2,4-D to achieve embryogenesis under light intensity of 30 000 lux in 16 h light 8 h dark photoperiod at 24 plus or minus 2 degree C for 2 weeks. The developing somatic embryos were then transferred to MS medium to mature them and obtain plantlets. The highest number of 9.63 somatic embryos per explant were recorded for genotype LAD388 from 14 - 16 days old explants. The experiment clearly established that 14 - 16 days old explants were superior compared to 17 - 19 days old explants in terms of number of somatic embryos per explant. The matured plantlets were acclimatised in the greenhouse on organic matter rich soil mix contained in pots.