In vitro Studies - Nutrition of Embryo

Studies involving culture of embryos excised of various stages of development (i.e., early globular proembryo, late globular proembryo or heart shaped and torpedo shaped embryos) in media containing various combinations/concentrations of nutrients and growth regulators have been very helpful in understanding the growth requirements of embryos. Experiments using embryos of Datura, Capsella and a few of other plants have shown that the mature embryo can develop into a normal seedling when cultured m a nutrient medium.

Torpedo-shaped embryos require salts of essential minerals dextrose and certain amino acids, vitamins and PGRs for successful growth. However, late globular or heart- shaped embryos can be cultured only on addition of coconut water (liquid endosperm of coconut) to the above medium. So far it has not been possible to isolate and grow the zygote or a few celled proembryo on an artificial medium. Young proembryos when cultured become formless and do not acquire the typical structure of a mature embryo.