EVIDENCE FOR SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN ANNONA AQUAMOSA L.

Direct somatic embryos were induced within two weeks on hypocotyl segments, immature zygotic embryos and cultured leaf explants of Annona squamosacultured on Gamborg's medium. BAP alone was found to be effective in inducing embryogenesis in all the three explants. The best response, however, was obtained at 3.0 to 5.0 mg I-1 concentration of BAP. Zygotic embryos used as explants were more responsive as the cultures derived from them formed more number of embryos as compared to other explants. Yellow shining globular, heart, torpedo and cotyledonary stage embryos were formed on embryonal axis of immature zygotic embryos. Such embryos turned green and some of them developed cotyledonary leaves. No futher development and bipolar germination was observed. Histological examination confirmed such structures to be somatic embryos as there was no vascular Connection between parent tissue and embryos.