Improved efficiency of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in tissue cultures of maize (Zea mays L.).

Immature embryos of eleven cultivars of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.), cultured on 2,4-D-containing nutrient media, showed rapid proliferation of the scutellum and improved efficiency in the formation of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos. High concentrations of sucrose were found to be most favorable for the formation of the embryogenic callus. Embryoids obtained in cultures of all eleven cultivars germinated in vitro and produced normal green plants which were grown to maturity in soil. The effect of genotype and other factors on somatic embryogenesis in maize are discussed.