Somatic embryogenesis in leaf tissue culture of Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.)

Leaf explants formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 53.9% when cultured on B5 media supplemented with 0.1 mg l－1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.01 mg l－1 6-benzyladenine (BA) for 6 weeks. Upon transfer onto media with 5 mg l－1 abscisic acid, embryogenic calluses yielded somatic embryos at 73%. Somatic embryos developed into plantlets on media without plant growth regulators at 90%. Embryogenic calluses proliferated and maintained embryogenic capacity when subcultured on media with 0.1 mg l－1 2,4-D and 0.01 mg l－1 BA at 4-week intervals. This culture system is an effective means for clonal propagation and genetic manipulation of soapberry because it ensures taproot development required for tree stability.