Description

Abstract: Arachis hypogaea L. cv. NC 4 was used as a model plant system in an effort to develop an in vitro embryo rescue protocol which could have application to interspecific hybrid embryos, which often abort at very early growth stages. Embryo growth and development was studied in 1- to 4-day-old peg tips containing proembryos equivalent to a stage where many interspecific hybrid embryos abort. Three independent experiments were conducted to 1) determine the most favorable basal media, 2) evaluate the effects of auxins and cytokinins on growth, and 3) determine a favorable combination of auxins and cytokinins for in vitro peanut embryo growth. The results indicated that MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium with 3% sucrose was the most favorable basal medium among seven media and two sucrose concentrations analyzed. IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) at 1.5 mg L-1 in combination with a range of KN (kinetin) levels from 0.5 to 1.25 mg L-1 were the growth regulator combinations of choice. Proembryo growth reached the multicellular globular stage, but differentiation into heart-shaped embryos did not occur.