In vitro induction of tetraploid ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its pollen fertility and germinability

In vitro induction of tetraploid ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its pollen fertility and germinability were investigated. The growth of shoot tip cultures on agar MS medium containing 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA was greater than that of similar cultures in liquid MS medium with the same BA concentration. In liquid medium, the combinations of 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA with 0.05 mg l⁻¹ NAA tended to enhance the growth of the cultures. The efficiency of tetraploid induction was assessed by treating shoot tip explants on agar or in liquid MS medium containing 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA, 0.05 mg l⁻¹ NAA, and 0.2% (w/v) colchicine for 4, 8, 12, and 14 days. The total number of tetraploids induced on solid medium was 18, but only five in liquid medium. On both media, the colchicine treatment for 8 days gave the maximum level of tetraploid induction. Therefore, it was found that the treatment of shoot tip explants on agar medium containing 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA, 0.05 mg l⁻¹ NAA, and 0.2% (w/v) colchicine for 8 days was the most efficient way of inducing tetraploid ginger. Induced tetraploid strains, ‘4× Kintoki’, ‘4× Sanshu’, and ‘4× Philippine cebu 1’, had higher pollen fertility and germinability than the diploid counterparts, i.e., in the diploid strains, pollen fertility ranged from 0.3 to 6.2% and the germination rate from 0.0 to 0.1%, while in the tetraploid strains, pollen fertility ranged from 27.4 to 74.2% and the germination rate from 4.8 to 12.9%.     

Double-phase in vitro culture using sorbitol increases shoot proliferation and reduces hyperhydricity in Japanese pear

This study aimed to improve in vitro shoot proliferation efficiency without inducing hyperhydricity in Japanese pear. The shoot number increased at 2.5–10.0 mg l⁻¹ benzyladenine (BA), while shoot fresh mass increased at 1.0 and 2.5 mg l⁻¹ BA. Different macroelement formulation did not affect shoot proliferation, but adding activated charcoal (AC) to the medium inhibited markedly the production of axillary shoots and biomass and many shoots were hyperhydric. Different carbon sources (CS) significantly increased the shoot number and fresh mass, with the best results for shoot proliferation at 20–30 g l⁻¹ sorbitol. With gelling agents, the shoot number increased at 0.4 and 0.6% agar and 0.3% gellan gum, while fresh mass increased at 0.4% agar. The hyperhydric explants were more than 30% at 0.4–0.6% agar and at any concentration of gellan gum. The improved culture (woody plant (WP) supplemented with 20 g l⁻¹ sorbitol, 0.1 mg l⁻¹ 3-indolyl-butyric acid (IBA), 2.5 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.8% agar) and double-phase culture (the same medium using a double-phase liquid-gelling agent solidified culture system) produced a higher number of axillary shoots than the conventional culture (1/2MS supplemented with 0.1 mg l⁻¹ IBA, 1.0 mg l⁻¹ BA, 30 g l⁻¹ sucrose and 0.8% agar), moreover, double-phase culture had a higher fresh mass than the other cultures.     

Factors affecting the shoot multiplication of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.)

A number of experiments were conducted to identify suitable procedure for in vitro shoot multiplication of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.). Three different nutrient media (DKW, MS and WPM) and three different gelling agents (Phytagel, Difco Bacto agar and a mixture of Phytagel and Difco Bacto agar) were studied in the first experiment. Driver and Kuniyuki walnut (DKW) medium solidified with 2.2 g l⁻¹ Phytagel was found optimum. Performance of explants was better on DKW medium than on MS and WPM. The DKW and MS media were not significantly different from each other, but both of them were significantly better than WPM, which was a very poor medium for this species. Phytagel alone was significantly better than Difco Bacto agar or Phytagel combined with Difco Bacto agar. In another experiment different concentrations of BA were studied. Medium containing 1.0 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.01 mg l⁻¹ IBA was the best, although medium containing 0.6 and 0.8 mg l⁻¹ BA were also successful, and utilisation of 0.4 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.01 mg l⁻¹ IBA was optimum for shoot elongation. Application of different kinds of auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA at 0.01 or 0.1 mg l⁻¹) with 1.0 mg l⁻¹ BA were also studied. Media containing IBA were significantly better than media containing IAA for shoot fresh weight, but neither of them was significantly different from media containing NAA. Application of 0.01 mg l⁻¹ or 0.1 mg l⁻¹ auxin, with 1.0 mg l⁻¹ BA, was not significantly different for shoot multiplication of Persian walnut. The morphology of shoots on media containing 0.01 mg l⁻¹ IBA was the best.     

Effect of phytohormones on in vitro shoot multiplication and rooting of lime Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swing

Multiple shoots were produced from node explants of lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swing) on MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The highest number of shoots, nine shoots per node, were produced on a medium containing 2 mg l⁻¹ BAP (8.8 μM), 1 mg l⁻¹ kinetin (4.6 μM) and 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA (5.4 μM). Depending on the concentration of BAP and kinetin, NAA either inhibited, stimulated or did not affect shoot multiplication, which also depended on the cytokinin level. Maximum shoot length was obtained from treatments containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ BAP (2.2 μM) combined with 1 mg l⁻¹ kinetin (4.6 μM) and 0.5 mg l⁻¹ NAA (2.7 μM). The largest leaves of resultant shoots were produced on a medium containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ each of kinetin (2.3 μM) and NAA (2.7 μM). Transferring in vitro shoots to rooting media containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and NAA produced complete plantlets. The highest rooting percentage was obtained on a medium containing either 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA (5.4 μM) alone or 0.5 mg l⁻¹ NAA (2.7 μM) combined with 2 mg l⁻¹ IBA (9.6 μM), whereas the highest number of roots were produced on a treatment containing both 2 mg l⁻¹ NAA (10.8 μM) and 2 mg l⁻¹ IBA (9.6 μM). Roots elongated most on treatments containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ of either NAA (2.7 μM) or IBA (2.4 μM). Shoot growth associated with the rooting phase was the highest in response to 2 mg l⁻¹ IBA (9.6 μM) or 0.5 mg l⁻¹ NAA (2.7 μM). Plantlets that survived acclimatization, 82%, exhibited normal growth in soil under greenhouse conditions.     

Effects of IAA and BA on development of globular,heart- and torpedo-stage embryos from cell suspensions of three grape genotypes

In order to initiate cell and embryo suspensions, embryogenic calluses derived on NN solid medium with 2,4-D and BA from petioles of in vitro grown plants of three interspecific grapevine hybrids were cultured in three versions of liquid NN medium: (1) without growth regulators, (2) 0.1 mg l⁻¹ IAA and (3) 0.5 mg l⁻¹ BA. Cell and embryo suspensions were incubated two and three times in these versions of liquid media in various combinations. Incubating suspensions two times in hormone-free media and/or with 0.1 mg l⁻¹ IAA led to formation of globular embryos in the three cultivars studied and small numbers of heart-stage embryos in ‘Podarok Magaracha’ and ‘Intervitis Magaracha’. Numerous heart-stage embryos developed in ‘Intervitis Magaracha’ and ‘Podarok Magaracha’ when the suspensions had been initiated in medium with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ BA, and in ‘Bianca’ this was achieved after two incubations in the above medium. Torpedo-stage embryos were formed after subculturing heart-stage embryo suspensions in medium with 0.1 mg l⁻¹ IAA in all study cultivars. If only small numbers of embryos of a certain developmental heart- or torpedo- stage were formed, such cell and embryo suspensions need to be repeatedly subcultured in liquid medium with specific growth regulators to enable this process.     

An investigation on the effect of different plant growth regulating compounds in in vitro shoot tip and node culture of lemon seedlings

The possible application of some less commonly used in vitro growth regulating compounds is outlined. A number of treatments were applied to determine the best way of inducing in vitro shoot proliferation and rooting on a modified Driver–Kuniyuki [HortScience 19 (1984) 507] basal medium of lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm, f. cv. Interdonato) seedlings. 6-Benzyladenine (BA) alone (1, 2 and 4 mg l⁻¹) and in combination with either orange juice (10%, v/v), silver nitrate (3 mg l⁻¹), gibberellic acid (GA₃) (0.1 mg l⁻¹ at the establishment stage and 0.5 mg l⁻¹ at all combinations during the proliferation stage) or abscisic acid (ABA) (0.2 mg l⁻¹ only at the establishment stage) were used to stimulate shoot formation during the establishment and the proliferation stage. The combination of BA with ABA gave a high rate of shoot formation, while GA₃ and silver nitrate enhanced shoot elongation. When these shoots were transferred to the rooting stage, the effect of application of two different auxins (indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and α-napthaleneacetic acid) was examined, as well as different methods of application (auxin added to the basal medium and auxin application by dipping the base of the explant in auxin solution). Dipping the base of the explants in a 50% ethanol solution of IBA at 1000 mg l⁻¹ for 5 s resulted in 80% rooting with subsequent 90% survival of these explants, during acclimatization under mist.     

The effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis on the development of micropropagated artichokes

In this work, microrosettes of Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus Fiori of the “catanese” type were subcultured in a medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.05 mg l⁻¹). For root induction, indoleacetic acid (IAA), α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyrric acid (IBA) were used at three concentrations: 2, 5 and 10 mg l⁻¹. The highest percentage of rooted shoots was aided by the presence of 10 mg l⁻¹ IAA.Once transplanted in pots, the plantlets were inoculated with 10 g Glomus viscosum strain A6 (AM fungus). Acclimatisation was clearly facilitated by the addition of the AM fungus. Indeed, the mycorrhizal plantlets registered a survival of between 90 and 95% for the rooting shoots and 60% for the non-rooting shoots.The botanical characterization of the material produced was carried out in field and was based on several morphological and productive parameters. Data collected confirm the characteristics of the original cultivar, the efficiency of the in vitro propagation material and the possibility of using this technique in early types of artichoke.     

Micropropagation of Vitis thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc., a medicinal herb,through high-frequency shoot tip culture

This study describes a protocol for rapid and large-scale in vitro propagation of the valuable medicinal herb Vitis thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc.. Culture conditions influencing shoot proliferation and rooting of the two clones (three- and five-lobed) were examined. Three medium formulations, Murashige-Skoog (MS), Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) medium, were tested for growth of shoot tip culture, and WPM was found to have a superior proliferation rate. The chlorophyll content of leaves was highest in those cultured on NN, followed by those on MS and WPM medium. WPM medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ 6-benzyladenine (BA) displayed the highest proliferation rate (15–19 nodes or 3–4 shoots per explant). The rooting was optimized using MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ napthaleneacetic (NAA) with eight roots, 3 cm long after 1 month of culture. High frequency callus formation was observed in the basal end of explants cultured on NAA-containing medium. Following acclimatization, rooting plantlets were transferred to the plastic house with a 95% survival rate.     

Factors controlling high efficiency adventitious bud formation and plant regeneration from in vitro leaf explants of roses (Rosa hybrida L.)

Studies were conducted to improve adventitious bud regeneration in roses (Rosa hybrida L.), specifically to extend the protocol to different genotypes and to initiate production of multiple shoots per explant. The best results were obtained by using a two-stage procedure where excised leaflets were incubated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) (1962) induction medium with 6.8 μM TDZ plus 0.49 μM IBA in the dark for 7 days and subsequently transferred to an MS-based regeneration medium with 2.22 μM BA plus 0.049 μM IBA exposed to a PPFD of 15 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ PAR. Bud formation capacity was also significantly affected by the genotype and the environment, such as the use of bottom cooling creating a lower RH in the vessel. The addition of silver nitrate to the induction medium also significantly improved the percentage of regeneration in three genotypes tested. Regenerated shoots failed to elongate when transferred to MS proliferation medium containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ BA, however maximum bud development and elongation were achieved when kinetin in the range 1–2 mg l⁻¹ was used. Elongated shoots were excised and rooted best on zero growth regulator half-strength MS modified medium. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized under greenhouse conditions for evaluation of somaclonal variation.     

Shoot induction and plant regeneration from receptacle tissues of Lilium longiflorum

An efficient system has been developed for the in vitro plant regeneration of Lilium longiflorum Thunb. by culturing receptacle sections from flower buds. The sections were cultured on one-half MS medium plus 30 g l⁻¹ sucrose, 8 g l⁻¹ agar, 5.4 μM NAA or 4.9 μM IBA plus 2.2 μM BAP. A section size of 3–4 mm was found to be optimal. After 60 days an average of 41 shoots were formed per explant. More vigorous shoots were obtained by subculturing on hormone-free medium with 20 g l⁻¹ sucrose. Rooting occurred on one-half MS medium with 1.1 μM NAA. Rooted plants were hardened-off in a greenhouse for two months, and normal flowering plants were produced.     

Foliar treatment of Mn deficient ‘Washington navel’ orange trees with two Mn sources

The objective of this study was the comparison of the effect of two Mn sources (MnSO₄·H₂O, MnEDTA) which were applied at various concentrations (0, 200, 400, 800, and 1200 mg Mn l⁻¹) to the leaves of ‘Washington navel’ orange trees in order to correct Mn deficiency.One hundred and seventy days after the foliar application of Mn solutions, the mean Mn concentrations in the leaves treated with MnSO₄·H₂O (200, 400, 800 or 1200 mg Mn l⁻¹) or MnEDTA (400, 800 or 1200 mg Mn l⁻¹) were significantly higher than those of the control leaves. Manganese sulfate (MnSO₄·H₂O) was more effective than MnEDTA regarding the improvement of the leaf Mn concentrations of the trees, when applied at equal Mn concentrations. Finally, the leaf Mn concentrations were in the sufficiency range (>25 mg kg⁻¹ d.w.), only after the application of 800 or 1200 mg Mn l⁻¹ as MnSO₄·H₂O.     

Prohexadione-calcium affects growth and flowering of petunia and impatiens grown under photoselective films

The response of petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm.-Andr. ‘Countdown Burgundy’) and impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook ‘Accent Orange Tempo’) to Prohexadione-calcium was evaluated under a clear and a far-red light absorbing greenhouse (A_FR) film to investigate the dosage effect of Prohexadione-Ca and to determine if it can overcome the flowering delay under FR deficient greenhouse environments. Prohexadione-Ca reduced stem elongation of petunia and impatiens under A_FR and clear films when applied 3 weeks after germination. Late applications were less effective. In both crops, main stem length decreased in a quadratic pattern as the concentration of Prohexadione-Ca increased. Under both films, 50–100 mg l⁻¹ Prohexadione-Ca resulted in ≈30% shorter petunia plants. Greater concentrations (500 and 1000 mg l⁻¹) resulted in excessively short plants (over 70%). Prohexadione-Ca at 100 mg l⁻¹ delayed anthesis of petunia by 8 and 3 days under the clear film and the A_FR film, respectively during less inductive photoperiods but had no effect during inductive photoperiods. In impatiens, Prohexadione-Ca at 100 mg l⁻¹ delayed anthesis over 10 days under clear or A_FR film. Greater concentrations (200 and 300 mg l⁻¹) inhibited flowering of impatiens. Prohexadione-Ca treatments significantly affected flower color development. Untreated petunia plants had dark burgundy flowers. Prohexadione-Ca treatment increased L*, a*, and C* values and decreased hue angle indicating that the flowers were faded. Flowers of untreated impatiens plants were bright orange color. Prohexadione-Ca at 100 mg l⁻¹ increased L* value and decreased a*, b*, and C* values indicating that significant petal fading had occurred. Flowers of treated plants were nearly white under both films. Although effective in height control, loss of color would be a major limitation to the use of Prohexadione-Ca on flowering crops.     

Embryo induction via anther culture in papaya and sex analysis of the derived plantlets

We investigated the embryo induction of papaya by anther culture, and identified the sex of plantlets derived from embryos using a sex-diagnostic PCR. Anthers, containing approximately 80% uninucleate pollen, were collected from 10 to 14 mm long male flower buds. They were pre-treated on agar (0.8%) or in liquid medium for 1–5 days at 25 or 35 °C, then transferred to agar medium with 0.1 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. Agar and liquid media used for the pre-treatment contained water only or MS nutrients with or without sucrose (2.0%). On the agar medium, no embryos were induced at any pre-treatment temperature. In the liquid medium at 25 °C, embryos were induced at about 1.0% (rate of anthers forming embryos) in MS medium with sucrose for 3 or 5 days. At 35 °C, embryo induction rate tended to increase up to about 4.0% when anthers were treated in water for 1 day or MS medium with sucrose for 3 or 5 days. The sex of plantlets established through anther culture was analyzed using a sex-diagnostic PCR. All plantlets were determined as female. From these results, we suggest that all plantlets established through anther culture were of microspore origin, and that the anther culture technique is useful for the breeding of female papaya.     

Direct shoot organogenesis on hypocotyl explants from in vitro germinated seedlings of Psidium guajava L. cv. Allahabad Safeda

Multiple shoots were generated via direct organogenesis on hypocotyl segments excised from in vitro germinated seedlings (45-day-old) of Psidium guajava L. cv. Allahabad Safeda. Modified basal Murashige and Skoog (MMS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), zeatin or thidiazuron with or without α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were tried. Thidiazuron (0.1 μM) along with 0.54 μM NAA gave the highest response (44.6%) with the regeneration of 3.6 shoots per original explants. These shoots upon subculture gave rise to about 5.0 shootlets per explant in shoot proliferation medium, i.e. MMS supplemented with 2.22 μM BAP + 2.32 μM kinetin. The regenerated microshoots were elongated using a quick dip of gibberellic acid (GA₃; 1.44 mM) prior to culture on MMS medium supplemented with 0.88 μM BAP and adenine sulphate (54.29 μM) for 2 weeks. Rooting of microshoots was achieved best on half strength MMS medium supplemented with 4.90 μM indole-3-butyric acid along with 100 mg l⁻¹ activated charcoal.     

Optimization of somatic embryogenesis in suspension cultures of horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]—A hardy grain legume

Cell suspension cultures were established from immature cotyledon derived calli from drought tolerant legume horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]. Embryogenic callus could be originated from cut slices of the immature cotyledons on MS solid medium [Murashige, T. Skoog, K., 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol. Plant. 15, 473–497] augmented with 1.0 μM zeatin and 4.5 μM NAA. Numerous somatic embryoids (26.4%) appeared on MS liquid basal nutrient medium with 5.6 μM NAA and with absence of zeatin during 3 weeks culture. Sustained cell division resulted in the formation of cell aggregates, and then progressed to globular, heart and further if they differentiate properly to torpedo and cotyledonary stages within 5 weeks. Transfer of individual embryos on to a fresh MS basal medium with no plant growth regulators was able to achieve complete maturation. Only a relatively few number of embryos developed into root/shoot when transferred to 0.9 μM GA₃, 15 g/l⁻¹ sucrose and 2.4 g/l⁻¹ gelrite containing medium. Substitution of sucrose associated with the use of l-glutamine gave, in the range of concentrations tested, the strongest enhancement of the embryo growth and development. About 5% of somatic embryos were converted into true-to-type fertile plants.     

Micropropagation of Karonda (Carissa carandas) through shoot multiplication

Shoot tips from field grown, mature plants of Carissa carandas cv. Pant Sudarshan were cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA) during different seasons. The maximum sprouting rate was obtained with 1.5 cm long explant collected in spring season (February–March) followed by those collected in summer season (April–June). Shoot proliferation was highest on MS basal media supplemented with 3.0 mg l⁻¹ BA. Rooting of microshoots was noted to be the best in 1/2 MS plus 0.8 mg l⁻¹ IBA and 0.2 mg l⁻¹ naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized in vermiculite:sand:soil (1:1:1) potting mixture.     

Inhibitory effects of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) on the in vitro rooting and nutrient concentration of explants of peach rootstock GF 677 (Prunus amygdalus × P. persica)

The effect of vitamin riboflavin (B₂) on in vitro rooting of the almond × peach hybrid clone GF 667 was studied. Riboflavin was added in five concentrations: 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg l⁻¹. After 4 weeks in culture, riboflavin did not stimulate adventitious rooting of the explants and rooting was very low in comparison to the control treatment. A high percentage of shoots on the rooting media containing the two highest concentrations of Vitamin B₂ had shown symptoms of chlorosis and apex necrosis.     

Prohexadione–Ca inhibits vegetative growth of ‘Smoothee Golden Delicious’ apple trees

Experiments to test the effectiveness of prohexadione–Ca as a growth inhibitor in apple trees have been carried out for 3 years in the Middle Ebro Valley (Spain). Also, effects on fruit quality and flower initiation were evaluated. The application of 100–400 mg l⁻¹ of prohexadione–Ca between 12 and 30 days after full bloom (DAFB) to ‘Smoothee Golden Delicious’/M9 apple trees resulted in the inhibition of shoot growth, the effect increasing with concentration, and a greater inhibition was obtained when the trees were first sprayed 12–20 DAFB. A second spray was usually needed to avoid a regrowth of the shoots. The effectiveness of the second application was related to the concentration applied and the date of the first spray. The relative increase in trunk-cross-sectional area was not affected by the growth inhibitor. No negative effects on yield and fruit quality were found except for a reduction of soluble solid content. Flower initiation in the following year was not affected. Concentrations of 100–200 mg l⁻¹ applied shortly after full bloom should be recommended, bearing in mind that a second application might be necessary 6–8 weeks later.     

Microsporogenesis and anther culture in carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.)

An in vivo study was made on male flowers of carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), in order to establish a correlation between the flower and anther development, and microsporogenesis. In addition studies were conducted to find which phase is more appropriate for anther culture and haploid production. During the development of male flowers, six stages were identified. The male gametophytic cycle begins when flowers are in developmental phase 0, with the formation of the epidermis, endothecium, primary sporogeneous tissue, primary parietal cells and pollen mother cells. During developmental phase I we observed the formation of pollen mother cells, the microspore tetrads, and uni- and binucleate pollen grains. At developmental phase II, uni- and binucleate microspores, and completely formed pollen grains were observed. In developmental phase III we could observe mature pollen grains ready to be released from the anthers as single binucleate pollen grains. Anthers from flowers at developmental phases I and II, with microspores at late uninucleate to early binucleate stage, were cultured in semi-solid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) combined with one of the citokinins: N⁶-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin), zeatin (Zea) and thidiazuron (TDZ). To obtain embryogenic calli anthers should be collected from flowers in developmental phase I. High frequencies of callogenesis were obtained, and the best medium for calli induction was MS supplemented with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-D + 4 mg l⁻¹ TDZ. The frequency of haploid cells was found to be 17.2%.     

Somatic embryogenesis from floral tissues of feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana Berg)

The objectives of the present work were to study the embryogenic competence of floral tissues of Feijoa sellowiana and to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators on somatic embryo induction and development in order to establish a somatic embryogenesis protocol starting from somatic tissues. Petals, stamens and ovaries of floral buds were cultivated onto LPm basal medium supplemented with different levels of 2,4-D, Picloram, 2-iP, Kin and BAP. The highest embryogenic callus induction was obtained with Picloram (10 μM) and Kin (1 μM). Rates of embryogenic calluses induction in stamens and petals were significantly affected by PGRs. Embryogenic calluses were transferred to the same medium, supplemented with gradually reduced levels of PGRs-free medium. After 60 days in suspension cultures with 2,4-D (1 μM) and 2-iP (1 μM) calluses were transferred to PGR-free medium. After 30 days it was observed the development of globular somatic embryos on the surface of 18% of friable calluses previously induced with Picloram (10 μM) and Kin (1 μM). Only embryogenic calluses derived from stamens gave rise to this morphogenetic pattern.Torpedo and cotyledonary somatic embryos transferred to PGR-free culture medium were converted to complete plantlets. This is the first report of somatic embryogenesis in this species starting from somatic tissues.