Developmental Aspects of Soybean (Glycine max) Somatic Embryogenesis

Abstract

A detailed study of the developmental aspects for soybean somatic embryogenesis was undertaken with emphasis on biochemical and histological markers. The various stages of somatic embryo development in callus cultures have been identified and characterized. Germinating embryos could be converted to fertile plants at a high frequency (90%). Dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) was found to be the auxin of choice for the clear distinction of the various developmental phases of soybean somatic embryos. Differences in their protein patterns were determined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This analysis revealed distinguishable differences in protein profiles amongst the various developmental stages, especially in heart stage embryos. Histological studies on somatic embryos revealed specific tissue types which closely resemble those reported for zygotic embryos. Further evidence is provided that there is a close similarity in tissue differentiation, between somatic and zygotic embryogenesis although there are some unique features in the development of somatic embryos.