Role of antioxidants and amino acids on somatic embryogenesis of Pinus patula

Malabadi, Ravindra B and Van Staden, Johannes

Univ KwaZulu Natal Pietermaritzburg, Sch Bot and Zool, Res Ctr Plant Growth and Dev, Private Bag X01, ZA-3209 Scottsville, South Africa

. 41(2). MAR-APR05. 181-186.

This study investigated the role of antioxidants and amino acids on somatic embryogenesis using the vegetative shoot apices of three genotypes of mature Pinus patula trees. Apart from dithiothreitol at 0.1%, pretreatment of explants or incorporation of antioxidants in the basal nutrient medium had a negative effect on the initiation of embryogenic cultures, somatic embryo production, and plantlet recovery. Inclusion of an amino acid solution mixture, at a concentration of 10.0 mM, in the maturation medium tended to increase somatic embryo production.