Optimization of Somatic Embryogenesis Protocol for Locally Adapted Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Varieties in Bangladesh

Five eggplant cultivars were cultured on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D, resulting in the development of embryogenic calli. When the calli were subcultured onto growth regulator free MS, BARI Begun-4 produced the highest number of embryos (64) per explant followed by BARI Begun-1 (57). Later both the superior varieties in terms of embryo production were cultured on MS having 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D along with a control. BARI Begun-4 produced the highest number of embryos (67) on MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D which was closely followed by BARI Begun-1 (62). Regenerated plantlets were successfully established in soil following acclimation.