Somatic Embryogenesis in Indian Spinach (Beta palonga)

A system for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of Indian spinach from embryogenic callus line was established. Nodular compact embryogenic callus derived from nodal explants of eight day old seedlings was induced on MS basal medium supplemented with NAA (1 mg l-1) and BA (1 mg l-1) while leaf derived callus induced on the same medium resulted in soft, friable but non-embryogenic callus. The embryogenic callus line showed slower growth rate in comparison to the non-embryogenic one. Phase contrast microscopy of the embryogenic cell line revealed somatic embryos of all characteristic developmental stages. Thirty one percent embryogenic calli showed regeneration of plantlets only after a treatment with Tri Iodo Benzoic Acid (TIBA), followed by sequential transfer to hormone free media. The regenerated plants were subsequently transferred to MS liquid medium with coir for rooting and hardening; seventy five percent survival was recorded after transplanting in humidity tent.