Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature anthers of Hevea brasiliensis (Muell.) Arg.

High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration were achieved from immature anthers of Hevea brasiliensis - the natural rubber-producing tree. Optimum callus induction was observed on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l Kn. Subsequent culturing of callus on medium containing various concentrations and combinations of auxin/cytokinin, cytokinin, resulted in embryo induction. Maximum number of somatic embryos were produced, on medium supplemented with 0.7 mg/l Kn and 0.2 mg/l NAA. Further development of the embryos into plantlets was achieved on a hormone-free medium. Cytological analysis revealed that all the plantlets tested were diploid. Plantlets transplanted to polybags were maintained under greenhouse conditions, and subsequently established in the field.