Induction of Desiccation-Tolerance in Somatic Embryos of Cyclamen Persicum Mill.

Summary As a first step in the development of synthetic seed of Cyclamen persicum Mill. various procedures for induction of desiccation-tolerance in somatic embryos of cyclamen have been tested. Most important proved to be the careful selection of mature embryos by morphological characteristics. Torpedo-shaped somatic embryos with a size between 700 and 1000 µm exhibited the highest germination rate after desiccation to only 0.2 g H2O g–1 DW. Addition of 75 g l–1 polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000) and 10 mg l–1 abscisic acid to the maturation medium increased the germination rate of somatic embryos after desiccation to 28% compared to 4% in the control without these supplements.