Effect of mannitol and ABA on induction of somatic embryogenesis in tea (Camellia sinensis L.)

Abstract

Incorporation of mannitol to the semi-solid MS medium was tested at different concentrations for its ability to induce somatic embryogenesis of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) derived from cotyledon slices. Embryogenic callus was induced on the medium supplemented with 500 or 1000 mg L-1 mannitol within 8 weeks of culture initiation. The induction response was further enhanced when ABA (7.5 mg L-1) was co-supplemented with mannitol in the induction medium. Following the period of induction, somatic embryos developed into plantlets in 60 days when calluses were transferred to 10 mg L- BAP ve 0.5 mg L-1 IBA. After at least three subculture of shoots, plantlets of minimum 15 mm long were successfully transferred to pots and acclimatized under greenhouse conditions.