NEW ASPECTS OF SOYBEAN SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS

Somatic embryo formation from immature cotyledons was improved in the following ways: by cutting into sections, supplementing culture media with spermine and using solid/liquid/solid type of culture. Cut cotyledons of the eight genotypes examined expressed a higher ability for somatic embryogenesis than whole cotyledons. Of the three polyamines tested, spermine considerably stimulated and putrescine slightly inhibited induction of somatic embryos. The ability of embryoid formation on medium with spermidine depended on the genotype. The solid/liquid/solid type of culture was better than the continuous solid culture. The best nitrogen ion content for the subculture of somatic embryos was 10 mM NH4NO3 and 30 mM KNO3. The possibility of using these modifications in Agrobacterium transformation is discussed.