Study of Genetic Fidelity of Somatic Embryos - Derived Plants of Gentiana kurroo Royle from Western Himalayas - Plant of Great Medicinal Value

Aim: To study the effect of plant growth regulators on direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis on Gentiana kurroo Royle – an endangered medicinal plant.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biotechnology, Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230, Himachal Pradesh, India, 2010-2013.

Methodology: For induction of direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis petiole, leaf and petiole derived callus (after incubation in activated charcoal) were cultured on MS medium supplemented with a range of combinations of auxins (2,4-D, picloram, dicamba) and cytokinins (zeatin, kinetin).

Results: Somatic embryos were observed from both direct and indirect method. The best performance was observed on MS basal medium supplemented 1.0mg/l dicamba. Development of somatic embryos was observed on MS basal+0.50mg/l GA3+1.0 mg/lKn and the maximum plantlets formation was achieved when somatic embryos (directly and indirectly induced) were shifted to half strength MS basal medium.

Conclusion: In direct pathway somatic embryos were in contact with maternal tissue in a suspensor like structure. In indirect pathway, the explants first proliferated to give rise to callus before embryoids were induced. Somatic embryos have their own vascular tissues, and can develop new plantlets independently.