Abstract
A high frequency somatic embryogenesis has been established in mustard crop (Brassica juncea L. cv. Pusa Jai kisan), in which embryogenic calli were induced from hypocotyls and cotyledons of in vitro germinated seedlings. The hypocotyl derived embryogenic calli (HEC) were transparent and whitish, while cotyledon derived embryogenic calli (CEC) were creamy yellow in colour. Highest embryogenic callusing frequency (98%) was obtained in cotyledons on 2 mg/l 2, 4-D added MS medium. Hypocotyls and cotyledons derived calli were differentiated into somatic embryos at high frequency (90-100%) on 2 mg/l 2ip or 2 mg/l BAP amended medium. Embryo maturation occurred on the same embryo development medium, and germination was best achieved on 2.6 mg/l ABA amended medium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological studies revealed that the embryos had bipolar structure and developed mainly from the epidermis of explants. Furthermore, the embryonic tissues have stored bodies and numerous cell organelles. Various embryological stages are presented in this short communication. This protocol is much faster and took just six weeks to obtain complete plantlets.