In order to establish a protocol for induction and development of callus and somatic embryos of papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Tainung n.1) four explant types (hypocotyl with cotiledonary leaves, hypocotyl, cotiledonary leaves and epycotyl) and two light conditions (dark and 16 h photoperiod) were used. Callus induction and development were evaluated in ½MS2, ½MS10 and HMH media, and somatic embryo induction and development in ½MS and HMH1 media. In vitro culture of hypocotyl with cotiledonary leaves in ½MS10 medium, under dark condition for 20 days, was suitable for induction (100%) and growth of embryogenic friable callus. The culture of these callus in ½MS medium, under dark condition for two subcultures of 30 days, was suitable for induction (60%) and development of papaya somatic embryos. The explant type, culture media and culture conditions were defined for papaya somatic embryogenesis.
Carica papaya L. cv. Tainung n.1; epycotyl; somatic embryogenesis; hypocotyl with cotiledonary leaves; 2,4-D