Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf callus of Ocimum basilicum L.

A effective protocol for complete plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis has been developed for Ocimum basilicum L. Callus was initiated from leaf explant of young plant on Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) (1962) supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) 1.0 mg l−1, 3% sucrose and 0.9% agar. The calli showed differentiation of globular structure embryos when transferred to MS medium containing 2,4-D 0.5 mg l−1 and BAP 1.0 mg l−1. The maximum globular structure embryos were further enlarged and produced somatic embryos in MS basal medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg l−1 + NAA 1.0 mg l−1 + KN 0.5 mg l−1. Continued formation of globular embryo and germination of embryos occurred in this medium. Complete plantlets were transferred onto specially made plastic cup containing soilrite followed by their transfer to the garden soil. Survival rate of the plantlets under ex vitro condition was 80%.