Catharanthus roseus is containing anticancer alkaloids of vincristine
and vinblastine and is an important medicinal plant. Several studies have conducted
on in‐vitro culture of this plant. To optimize the somatic embryogenesis,
a factorial based on CRD experiment with 10 replications was conducted. Root,
hypocotyl and leaf explants grown invitro
were transferred and cultured on
MS media containing different combinations of 2,4D,
NAA and 2,4D×BAP.
The
results revealed that in callogenesis, the interaction effects of root and
hypocotyl explants×2,4D
and NAA as well as hypocotyl×(1 mg l1
NAA+1 mg l1
BAP) was superior than other treatments (p≤0.01). For calli fresh weight,
hypocotyl×NAA and hypocotyl× (1 mg l1
NAA+1 mg l1
BAP) was the treatment
of choice (p≤0.01). The calli produced were subcultured
to attain the preembryos
and somatic embryos. For the number of preembryos
and somatic
embryos; the interaction of hypocotyl×2,4D
was the most efficient treatment.
Seemingly, the production of somatic embryos is accessible in this plant by the
logical management of growth regulator combinations. Furthermore, the production
and genetic engineering of the somatic embryos could be a promising
trend in the subsequent production of highvalued
metabolites from this plant.