SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND PLANT-REGENERATION IN CUCUMBER

The embryogenic capacity of seven cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars was examined by tissue culture of cotyledon, young first-leaf, and internode explants. Somatic embryogenesis frequencies differed significantly among the tested cultivars, and 'Fushinarimidori' produced the highest number of embryos from either cotyledons or young first leaves. Cotyledon- and first-leaf-derived calluses produced more embryos than calluses from internodes. Somatic embryos were induced from 'Aonaga F1' internodes. With relatively high sucrose levels (6% and 9%) in the initiation medium, the frequency of embryogenic callus formation from 'Fushinarimidori' cotyledon explants was >90%. The highest yield of somatic embryos occurred in cultures initiated with high sucrose levels (9% or 12%), although 12% sucrose inhibited callus formation and growth. Somatic embryos germinated in a basal liquid medium supplemented with 0.5% activated charcoal, and they developed into well-shaped, healthy plantlets on semisolid medium with 1%