REGENERATION OF CUCUMIS MELO L. THROUGH SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND ORGANOGENESIS FROM CULTURED EMBRYONIC AXES

Abstract

Embryonic axes of four genotypes of Cucumis melo were cultured on different fortifications of MS medium to assess their in vitro response. In vitro morphogenesis (somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis) leading to plantlet regeneration varied considerably influenced by genotypes and culture medium. Among various medium tested MSD.5B (MS + 1.0mg.l-1 2,4-D + 0.5mg.l-1 BA) supported maximum direct somatic embryogenesis (23.91%) and average formation of somatic embryo(s) per explant (27.80) whereas, MS2D.5B (MS + 2.0mg.l-1 2,4-D + 0.5mg.l-1 BA) was found superior for induction of indirect somatic embryogenesis (21.32%). Inoculation medium MS2NB (MS + 2.0mg.l-1 NAA + 1.0mg.l-1 BA) proved superior for initiation of direct (26.59%) and indirect (21.05%) organogenesis as well as regeneration of plantlets (154.41%) with direct organogenesis. MS medium fortified with 0.5 mg.l-1 NAA+ 0.5 mg.l-1 BA + 0.5 mg.l-1 Kn proved superior for plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (41.58%) and indirect organogenesis (121.76%). Among genotypes, Pusa Madhuras was found to be superior for most in vitro traits followed by Local Durgapura Madhu and RM-50 for all attributes investigated.