Direct embryo formation in leaves of Camillia japonica L

The culture conditions for direct embryo formation in leaves of Camellia japonica L. were established. An auxin treatment followed by incubation during 11 days in darkness on diluted Murashige and Skoog modified basal medium induced direct morphogenesis. The number of subcultures, subculture interval and leaf age affected in vitro leaf response. The results showed that the cells from a cultured leaf respond differently to the same culture conditions by forming embryos, roots, and non-morphogenic as well as organogenic callus. Direct embryo formation occurred only in the marginal leaf regions. Direct root formation only occurred in a well-defined region of the midrib whereas callus was preferentially formed on the leaf basis. The results suggest the existence of differences in morphogenic competence according to leaf regions. Plantlet regeneration was successfully achieved from somatic embryos and from leaf basisderived callus, via shoot bud induction.