Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in Schlumbergera truncata

Embryogenic culture was initiated from phylloclade explants of Schlumbergera truncata 'Russian Dancer'. Callus developed on phylloclade explants when grown on MS medium containing cytokinins including TDZ, BA and zeatin. Callus cultures were periodically sub-cultured on the same medium over a period of 16 months. Callus grown in SH based liquid media supplemented with 7.0 mu M kinetin and transferred onto solid MS based medium devoid of hormones developed new friable embryogenic callus. Somatic embryos differentiated from this type of callus after three and half months from the start of the embryogenesis experiment. 70% germination was recorded for dicotyledonous embryos and plants derived from somatic embryos showed 81% survival when transferred to greenhouse conditions. Histological studies showed the discrete vascular system of the somatic embryos. It was also possible to characterize the distinct root and shoot poles.