Early stages in the development of somatic embryogenesis in Mammillaria san-angelensis Sánchez-Mejorada (Cactaceae) a severely endangered species

Abstract

Ovules of flowers in anthesis of irt vitro derived plants of Mammillaria san-angelensis Sánchez-Mejorada were cultured in a modified solid B5 medium supplemented with 2,4-D (4 mg l(-1)) plus Kin (2 mg l(-1)). Callus was induced from the integuments of the ovules. During the first three months in culture, early stages of somatic embryogenesis were detected. Histological analysis revealed the unicellular as well as the multicellular origin of the proembryonic structures. The presence of phenols negatively affected the progress of somatic embryogenesis.