Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet from petal cultures of pomegranate, Punica granatum L.

Somatic embryos were induced through petal cultures on MS supplemented with various growth adjuvants individually or in different combinations. Numerous embryoids formed from friable callus on MS with 5 mg/L of IAA, IBA or NAA developed only roots, but those formed on MS with 5 mg/L of BAP or KN developed shoots. Explants reared on MS supplemented with IAA (5 mg/L) and BAP (5 mg/L) though differentiated numerous embryoids but developed multilobed or fused cotyledons. However, callus induced on MS with IAA (1 mg/L) or IBA (1 mg/L) on subculturing in the same medium with half-strength salts and sucrose (4%) produced both roots and shoots resulting in plantlets.