Somatic embryogenesis inEchinochloa crusgalli

A white, compact embryogenic tissue was obtained from young inflorescence segments ofEchinochloa crusgalli (barnyard grass) cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium containing various concentrations and combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine. Histological and scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the white compact callus contained embryoids in various stages of development. Typical embryoids were bipolar and possessed scutella, coleoptiles and coleorhizae. The embryogenic nature of the callus was maintained throughout eight to ten subcultures spanning more than six months. A high frequency of plant regeneration was obtained when the 2,4-D concentration was reduced or 2,4-D was removed from the medium.