Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of five multipurpose cassava landraces extensively integrated in African cropping system

Successful development and adoption of transgenic cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties in Africa depend on in vitro regeneration of landraces because of their agronomic value and amenability to genetic modification. The study investigated somatic embryogenesis from axillary bud and immature leaf-lobe explant and regeneration via shoot organogenesis in five cassava landraces. Landraces exhibited significant (P < 0.05) differences in frequencies of primary somatic embryo production, number of embryos per explant, and frequency of secondary embryos. The frequency of primary somatic embryogenesis ranged from 7.8 to 14.5%, whereas the number of embryos per explant varied from 5.3 to 10.6. However, only frequency of primary somatic embryos and number of embryos per explant showed significant (P < 0.05) differences when immature leaf lobe was used as explant. The frequency of primary somatic embryogenesis ranged from 42.7 to 49.2%, whereas number of embryos per immature leaf-lobe explant varied from 9.5 to 15.2 per explant. Secondary embryogenesis was cultivar-independent in the case of immature leaf-lobe explant. Cyclic and green (mature) embryogenesis showed no significant (P < 0.05) landrace differences in both axillary bud and immature leaf-lobe explants. Shoot regeneration from cotyledon of somatic embryos had significant (P < 0.05) landrace differences. The mean shoot-bud formation frequency of axillary bud and immature leaf-lobe explants was 51.4% and 37.2%, respectively. Root formation was efficient, with greater than 70% of shoots forming root in all landraces. Similarly, landrace differences were detected for the survival of acclimatized regenerated plants, with a mean of 94.7% for both explants. In conclusion, somatic embryos were produced from immature leaf and axillary bud explants of the landraces and the embryos were converted to plantlets via shoot organogenesis.