Evidence of a somatic embryogenesis process for plant regeneration in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Abstract.

A protocol has been developed for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of the garlic (Allium sativum L.) variety Rouge de la Réunion. Young leaf sections or root sections from in vitro plants were used as explants source. Callus was produced on these explants. Callus production was optimal on explants derived from root sections, but callus from young leaves expressed higher embryogenic potential. Up to 75% of such embryogenic callus differentiated globular somatic embryos after 2 months on B5 medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.1 mg l^–1) and kinetin (0.5 mg l^–1). Up to 30% of the somatic embryos were converted into plants with shoots and roots after 8 weeks on a BDS medium with BAP (0.3 mg l^–1). Histological analysis was performed along the regeneration and confirmed the somatic embryogenic nature of the process. Plants were successfully acclimatised in a greenhouse.