Somatic Embryogenesis and Massive Shoot Regeneration from Immature Embryo Explants of Tef
Figure 2
Regeneration of tef plants from immature embryo explants via somatic embryogenesis. Three-size classes of immature embryos were cultivated: small (a, 0.1–0.2 mm, mm), intermediate-sized (b, 0.2–0.35 mm, mm), and large (c, 0.35–0.75 mm, mm). After two weeks of culture on callus induction medium, small explants of cv. “DZ-01-196” typically showed direct somatic embryogenesis with no callus formation being detectable (d, mm), whereas large explants first generated callus, which later differentiated somatic embryos (e, mm). Upon transfer of explants to regeneration medium and exposure to light, somatic embryos further developed and shoots appeared within two weeks (f, mm). A high number of shoots can be obtained from one of the callus fragments subcultured, especially when intermediate-sized zygotic embryos are used (g, mm). Upon root formation on K4NB medium, plantlets were transferred to soil, where they developed normally.
