Somatic Embryogenesis and Regeneration of in Plantlets in Pomegranate

Plantlets were regenerated from somatic embryos originating from cotyledonary tissues of pomegranate (Punica granatum) through multiple somatic embryogenesis. Embryogenic cell clusters proliferated vigorously with regular sub-culturing after 20 d on RBM-II medium containing 1 μM kinetin (KN), 2 μM benzylamino purine (BAP) and 5 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D). Developmental stages of somatic embryos were expressed on sub-culturing with a low level of 2, 4-D (2.5 μM). Embryogenic initials cells were small, round to oval, thick-walled, contained dense cytoplasm which stained with acetocarmine and were usually attached to non-embryogenic cells. Embryo maturation was obtained on RBM-III and IV media to produce young seedlings on the initiation of the first long tap root.