THIDIAZURON-INDUCED SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS ENHANCES VIABILITY OF HYDROGEL-ENCAPSULATED SOMATIC EMBRYOS OF GERANIUM

Somatic embryos of geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum Bailey cv. Scarlet Orbit Improved) were hydrogel-encapsulated using 3 % sodium alginate and 50 mM calcium chloride. The resultant synthetic seed germinated normally and produced flowering plants within twelve to fourteen weeks. The synthetic growth regulator thidiazuron was superior to indoleacetic acid and benzylaminopurine for producing somatic embryos that confer viability to synthetic seeds following storage at 4 degrees C for 45 d.