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Wild orchids, especially the terrestrial temperate ones are endangered species due to challenges in their natural habitats. Therefore, there is an urgent need to introduce efficient propagation methods to overcome the natural reproduction problems of these orchids. In this study, the effects of different light spectrums, explant types, wounding, and combinations of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) on direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) of two species of these endangered orchids listed in the conservation category, were studied. The highest percentages of DSE formation and embryo germination were observed in Dactylorhiza umberosa protocorm explants exposed to white light (400–730 nm) and in Epipactis veratifolia protocorm explants exposed to a combination of red and far-red spectra (R: FR = 70:30). This occurred while red (610–700) alone and in combination with far-red (710–730 nm) spectrum induced embryogenesis more than the blue spectrum and dark condition in E. veratifolia. Thidiazuron (TDZ, 3 mg L−1), produced the highest percentage of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) on protocorm explants in both orchids. Kinetin (Kin, 2 mg L−1) and Benzyladenine (BA 3 mg L−1) had the most effect on the survival and growth of PLBs, respectively, in D. umberosa and E. veratifolia. Species did not show similar embryogenesis responses under light spectrums. In a medium containing 3 mg L−1 TDZ, white light and R-FR spectra produced the most PLBs on wounded protocorm explants of D. umberosa and E. veratifolia respectively. The developmental stage of apical meristem of PLBs in both species was more advanced under R-B spectra, compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild orchids, especially the terrestrial temperate ones are endangered species due to challenges in their natural habitats. Therefore, there is an urgent need to introduce efficient propagation methods to overcome the natural reproduction problems of these orchids. In this study, the effects of different light spectrums, explant types, wounding, and combinations of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) on direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) of two species of these endangered orchids listed in the conservation category, were studied. The highest percentages of DSE formation and embryo germination were observed in Dactylorhiza umberosa protocorm explants exposed to white light (400–730 nm) and in Epipactis veratifolia protocorm explants exposed to a combination of red and far-red spectra (R: FR = 70:30). This occurred while red (610–700) alone and in combination with far-red (710–730 nm) spectrum induced embryogenesis more than the blue spectrum and dark condition in E. veratifolia. Thidiazuron (TDZ, 3 mg L−1), produced the highest percentage of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) on protocorm explants in both orchids. Kinetin (Kin, 2 mg L−1) and Benzyladenine (BA 3 mg L−1) had the most effect on the survival and growth of PLBs, respectively, in D. umberosa and E. veratifolia. Species did not show similar embryogenesis responses under light spectrums. In a medium containing 3 mg L−1 TDZ, white light and R-FR spectra produced the most PLBs on wounded protocorm explants of D. umberosa and E. veratifolia respectively. The developmental stage of apical meristem of PLBs in both species was more advanced under R-B spectra, compared to others.

An efficient method for direct somatic embryogenesis and callogenesis from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Estamaran) was established using leaf explants. The effect of pretreating leaf explants with three antioxidant combinations on the browning was studied. The results showed that both the pre-treatments were effective against the browning of explants. Surface sterilization of explants, without pre-treatment, enhanced the browning. After recognizing the importance of antioxidants, we cultured the explants on an MS medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mg/l, thiadiazuron (TDZ) at 0 and 5 mg/l and 6-benzyladeninepurine (BAP) at 0, 5, and 10 mg/l. Callogenesis and direct embryogenesis on the surface of the leaf explants were observed. Only on the medium containing 5 mg/l 2,4-D, 10 mg/l BAP, and 5 mg/l TDZ globular embryos were formed directly on the leaf explants. The percentage of callus formation increased with an increase in the 2,4-D concentration; however, high concentrations of cytokinin caused a reduction of callogenesis. A medium supplemented with 5 mg/l 2,4-D, 5 mg/l TDZ, and 5 mg/l BAP, and 2 mg/l 2,4-D, and 5 mg/l BAP produced the highest number of calli per replication (2.7) on the leaf surfaces and leaf margins. Along with the advantages of direct somatic embryogenesis, this protocol facilitated the prospect of micropropagation without resorting to the intermediary callus stage, an important aspect to commercial production, and without sacrificing the plant by excising the shoot tips, which are commonly used for date palm tissue cultures.

Abstract Background Tolumnia genus (equitant Oncidium) is a group of small orchids with vivid flower color. Thousands of hybrids have been registered on Royal Horticulture Society and showed great potential for ornamental plant market. The aim of this study is to establish an efficient method for in vitro propagation. Results Leaf explants taken from in vitro-grown plants were used to induce direct somatic embryogenesis on a modified 1/2 MS medium supplemented with five kinds of cytokinins, 2iP, BA, kinetin, TDZ and zeatin at 0.3, 1 and 3 mg l−1 in darkness. TDZ at 3 mg l−1 gave the highest percentage of explants with somatic globular embryos after 90 days of culture. It was found that 2,4-D and light regime highly retarded direct somatic embryogenesis and showed 95–100% of explant browning. Histological observations revealed that the leaf cells divided into meristematic cells firstly, followed by somatic proembryos, and then somatic globular embryos. Eventually, somatic embryos developed a bipolar structure with the shoot apical meristem and the root meristem. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the direct somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants was asynchronously. The somatic embryos were found on the leaf tip, the adaxial surface and also the mesophyll through a cleft, and it reflected the heterogeneity of the explant. The 90-day-old globular embryos were detached from the parent explants and transferred onto a hormone-free 1/2 MS medium in light condition for about 1 month to obtain 1-cm-height plantlets. After another 3 months for growth, the plantlets were potted with Sphagnum moss and were acclimatized in a shaded greenhouse. After 1 month of culture, the survival rate was 100%. Conclusions In this report, a protocol for efficient regenerating a Tolumnia orchid, Louise Elmore ‘Elsa’, was established via direct somatic embryogenesis and might reveal an alternative approach for mass propagation of Tolumnia genus in orchid industry.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a developmental process during which plant somatic cells, under suitable conditions, produce embryogenic cells that develop into somatic embryos (se). SE is the most important method for plant propagation in vitro, having both fundamental and applicative significance. SE can be induced from different tissues and organs, but when se are used as explants, the process is recognized as secondary or cyclic SE. We induced secondary SE in Centaurium erythraea by application of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU). A medium containing 0.1 mgL−1 2,4-D and 0.25 mgL−1 CPPU was optimal in terms of the number of primary SE explants forming se, the number of well-developed se per explant, and morphological appearance of the obtained se. These concentrations allowed SE to progress through three cycles, whereas at higher concentrations of 0.2 mgL−1 2,4-D and 0.5 mgL−1 CPPU, only two cycles were achieved. Histological analysis revealed that secondary se are formed both directly and indirectly. Secondary SE readily germinated and converted into plantlets. Induction of cyclic SE contributes to the conservation efforts of this endangered medicinal plant and expands the spectrum of in vitro developmental pathways described in centaury—an emerging model in developmental biology.

We focused on the demonstration of a new pluripotent coffee cell culture system to control the growth and metabolic functions. Somatic cells in the epidermal layer of in vitro somatic embryos (SEs) of Coffea canephora expressed higher pluripotency to produce secondary SEs than primary or secondary meristematic tissue. SEs were ideal explants to selectively induce functionally-differentiated cell lines, both non-embryogenic callus (nEC) and embryogenic callus (EC). The protoplast co-culture bioassay method was used to explore allelopathic activity of these cultured coffee cells. Cell wall formation of lettuce protoplasts varied after five days of co-culture. A strong stimulative reaction was observed at lower nEC protoplast densities, whereas growth was inhibited at higher densities. The reaction of lettuce protoplasts after 12 days of co-culture was recognized as an inhibitory reaction of colony formation.

An efficient method for direct somatic embryogenesis and callogenesis from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Estamaran) was established using leaf explants. The effect of pretreating leaf explants with three antioxidant combinations on the browning was studied. The results showed that both the pre-treatments were effective against the browning of explants. Surface sterilization of explants, without pre-treatment, enhanced the browning. After recognizing the importance of antioxidants, we cultured the explants on an MS medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mg/l, thiadiazuron (TDZ) at 0 and 5 mg/l and 6-benzyladeninepurine (BAP) at 0, 5, and 10 mg/l. Callogenesis and direct embryogenesis on the surface of the leaf explants were observed. Only on the medium containing 5 mg/l 2,4-D, 10 mg/l BAP, and 5 mg/l TDZ globular embryos were formed directly on the leaf explants. The percentage of callus formation increased with an increase in the 2,4-D concentration; however, high concentrations of cytokinin caused a reduction of callogenesis. A medium supplemented with 5 mg/l 2,4-D, 5 mg/l TDZ, and 5 mg/l BAP, and 2 mg/l 2,4-D, and 5 mg/l BAP produced the highest number of calli per replication (2.7) on the leaf surfaces and leaf margins. Along with the advantages of direct somatic embryogenesis, this protocol facilitated the prospect of micropropagation without resorting to the intermediary callus stage, an important aspect to commercial production, and without sacrificing the plant by excising the shoot tips, which are commonly used for date palm tissue cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tolumnia genus (equitant Oncidium) is a group of small orchids with vivid flower color. Thousands of hybrids have been registered on Royal Horticulture Society and showed great potential for ornamental plant market. The aim of this study is to establish an efficient method for in vitro propagation. Results: Leaf explants taken from in vitro-grown plants were used to induce direct somatic embryogenesis on a modified 1/2 MS medium supplemented with five kinds of cytokinins, 2iP, BA, kinetin, TDZ and zeatin at 0.3, 1 and 3 mg l in darkness. TDZ at 3 mg l gave the highest percentage of explants with somatic globular embryos after 90 days of culture. It was found that 2,4-D and light regime highly retarded direct somatic embryogenesis and showed 95-100% of explant browning. Histological observations revealed that the leaf cells divided into meristematic cells firstly, followed by somatic proembryos, and then somatic globular embryos. Eventually, somatic embryos developed a bipolar structure with the shoot apical meristem and the root meristem. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the direct somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants was asynchronously. The somatic embryos were found on the leaf tip, the adaxial surface and also the mesophyll through a cleft, and it reflected the heterogeneity of the explant. The 90-day-old globular embryos were detached from the parent explants and transferred onto a hormone-free 1/2 MS medium in light condition for about 1 month to obtain 1-cm-height plantlets. After another 3 months for growth, the plantlets were potted with Sphagnum moss and were acclimatized in a shaded greenhouse. After 1 month of culture, the survival rate was 100%. Conclusions: In this report, a protocol for efficient regenerating a Tolumnia orchid, Louise Elmore 'Elsa', was established via direct somatic embryogenesis and might reveal an alternative approach for mass propagation of Tolumnia genus in orchid industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of protoplast derived from somatic embryos and some of their characteristics were compared with embryos from suspension and in vivo in the same B line. Embryos formed in a protoplast culture differed from others that their younger stages contained vacuolated cells, and older ones had altered morphological and histological structure. Somatic embryogenesis is more regular from suspension then from protoplasts. No distinct differences were observed in the rate of embryo development in vivo and in vitro, and in vitro embryos show a larger variation in size at the same stage. Embryos in vitro with fluorescence are generally larger than zygotic ones at each stage. The use of fluorescence is suggested for the selection of heterokariocytes after protoplast fusion.

We report here for the first time that fully differentiated stomatal guard cells have the ability to form directly secondary somatic embryos. Histological and scanning electron microscopy studies reveal that the stomata are formed on primary embryos of both Oncidium cultivars Gower Ramsey and Sweet Sugar. Secondary embryogenesis from these guard cells could be induced by several plant growth regulators (PGRs), including N6-benzyladenine, kinetin, thidiazuron, 1-aminocyclopropane-1carboxylic acid (ACC), ancymidol and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid. When compared with other PGRs, ACC at concentration 1 mg dm-3 resulted in highest number of secondary embryos that were derived from guard cells. The present communication provides a model system for studying factors and mechanism affecting totipotency or embryogenetic capacity of guard cells.

Epidermal cell wall biogenesis with emphasis on cuticular layer formation during direct somatic embryogenesis in rice was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The first phenomenon noticed in the early globular stage of somatic embryos was a high activity of cell wall formation. In this stage, many endoplasmic reticula, Golgi bodies and their vesicles were present and epidermal cells were covered by fibrillar material. Cutin was initially deposited on the epidermal cell wall of late globular or early elongate stage embryos. In the late elongate stage, a lamellated cuticular layer formed, and in the late scutellar stage, a more homogenous continuous cuticular layer formed. The cuticular layer disappeared gradually from the scutellum cell wall as the somatic embryo germinated. The disappearance of the cuticular layer was similar to that of the zygotic embryo. There is no cuticular layer on the scutellar epithelial cell wall of the immature zygotic embryo 5 days after germination. Our observations lead to the conclusion that one of the structural and physiological markers of direct somatic embryogenesis is the transformation of fibrillar material into the cuticular layer.

Direct somatic embryogenesis in rice scutella was studied by scanning electron microscopy paying attention to the morphological change of surface structure. Somatic embryos were formed when the scutella of immature embryos of cv. Nipponbare were cultured on MS media containing 2 mg L−1 2,4-D. Embryos were then transferred to the media containing 1 mg L−1 2,4-D and germinated on hormone-free media. The developmental stages of typical monocotyledonous somatic embryo were classified into proembryo, globular, scutellar and coleoptilar stages by referring to the terminology used for zygotic embryos. Each stage had a characteristic surface structure. The surface of proembryo was smooth. Fibrillar material was observed during the transition from proembryo to globular stage. Fibrillar material was then gradually replaced by a mesh-like structure at the globular stage. With subsequent development of globular embryo, the apical scutellum region became flattened and the ridge of mesh-like structure became lower. Development of scutellum followed by the emergence of coleoptile from the scutellar notch was observed at the scutellar stage. The coleoptile surface was covered with elongating cells. The coleoptilar stage was characterized by the growth of coleoptile and the development of root. However, aberrant somatic embryos which had leafy scutellum and multiple shoot meristem, were also observed.

We report here for the first time that fully differentiated stomatal guard cells have the ability to form directly secondary somatic embryos. Histological and scanning electron microscopy studies reveal that the stomata are formed on primary embryos of both Oncidium cultivars Gower Ramsey and Sweet Sugar. Secondary embryogenesis from these guard cells could be induced by several plant growth regulators (PGRs), including N-benzyladenine, kinetin, thidiazuron, 1-aminocyclopropane-1carboxylic acid (ACC), ancymidol and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid. When compared with other PGRs, ACC at concentration 1 mg dm resulted in highest number of secondary embryos that were derived from guard cells. The present communication provides a model system for studying factors and mechanism affecting totipotency or embryogenetic capacity of guard cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protocol is described that supports the production of transgenic sugarcane plants ready for transfer to soil within 3 mo from culture initiation. Biolistic gene transfer into cross-sections of immature leaf whorl explants followed by direct somatic embryogenesis resulted in the stable genetic transformation of the commercially important sugarcane cultivar CP 88-1762. Accelerating the production of transgenic sugarcane plants not only saves time and effort but will likely also minimize somaclonal variation. Southern blot analysis revealed simple transgene integration patterns ranging from one to five hybridization products. NPTII-ELISA confirmed that most of the transgenic plants expressed the transgene stably in vegetative progeny. Using a minimal, linear expression cassette (MC) without vector backbone sequences for the biolistic gene transfer and reducing the amount of MC to 10 ng per shot may have led to simple transgene integration and stable transgene expression. Therefore, this protocol has great potential for the generation of commercial transgenic sugarcane events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient in vitro regeneration protocol enables mass multiplication, genetic modification and germplasm conservation of desired plants. In vitro plant regeneration was achieved from nodal segments of 18-months-old superior genotypes of Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees through direct organogenesis (DO) and direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) pathways. Initial bud break (BB) stage occurred via DO while shoot multiplication phase followed both DO and DSE pathways. Interestingly, both BB and shoot multiplication stages were achieved on shoot induction and multiplication (SIM) media composed of Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2 mg l benzyl aminopurine (BAP) and 0.1 mg l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Best shoot elongation response was observed on half strength MS fortified with 0.5 mg l BAP, while root induction and elongation was superior in 1/2 MS + 1 mg l Indole butyric acid (IBA). Full strength MS fortified with cytokinins (BAP) and weak auxin (NAA) in the ratio of 20:1 favored direct regeneration pathways. Further, half strength MS supported shoot and root development. The absence of intervening callus phase in this protocol can help in minimizing the chance occurrence of somaclones. When compared to other compositions tried, hardening in 100 % coco peat resulted in maximum survival (80 %) of the in vitro raised plantlets. For mass multiplication, fortnight subculturing of a single nodal explants for eight passages on SIM medium resulted in 60-148 shoot initials. Repeated subculturing in SIM medium induced the formation of direct somatic embryos which in turn improved the turnover capacity and enabled large scale clonal multiplication of elite and desirable trees of E. camaldulensis. Following this protocol, it takes a minimum time period of four-months between in vitro explant inoculation to hardening stage. In the present study, DO and DSE pathway of plant regeneration was reported occurring simultaneously in the same nodal explants of E. camaldulensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction, generation mid development of embryo genic somatic phenomena are matters that can be modeled by monitoring the interplay between exogenous phytohorniones and explants. As a result, this work presents experimental studies that illustrate the influence that exogenous cytokithns (BAP and TDZ), and auxins (NAA or IBA) have, added in the composition of the artificial nutritive medium, for modeling the in vitro propagation through direct somatic embryogenesis in two cultivars of basil (Dc/mum ba'silicum L. var. Marseille and Dc/mum basilicrem L. var. Red Rub'in), starting from different types of explants (leaf; cotyledon, epicotyl, hipocotyl and radicle). The best embryogenic response was recorded for experimental variant consisting in TDZ cytokiniu and IBA auxin in quantities of 1 mg/l respectively 0.5 mg/l, and cotyledon type explant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Arabidopsis the in vitro culture of immature zygotic embryos (IZEs) at a late stage of development, on the solid medium containing synthetic auxin, leads to formation of somatic embryos via direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE). The presented results provide evidence that in IZE cells competent for DSE are located in the protodermis and subprotodermis of the adaxial side of cotyledons and somatic embryos displayed a single- or multicellular origin. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing the GUS reporter gene, driven by the DR5 and LEC2 promoters, were used to analyse the distribution of auxin to mark embryogenic cells in cultured explants and develop somatic embryos. The analysis showed that at the start of the culture auxin was accumulated in all explant tissues, but from the fourth day onwards its location shifted to the protodermis and subprotodermis of the explant cotyledons. In globular somatic embryos auxin was detected in all cells, with a higher concentration in the protodermis, and in the heart stage its activity was mainly displayed in the shoot, root pole and cotyledon primordia. The embryogenic nature of dividing protodermal and subprotodermal cells accumulating auxin was confirmed by high expression of promoter activity of LEC2 in these cells. Analysis of symplasmic tracer (CFDA) distribution indicated symplasmic isolation between tissues engaged in DSE and other parts of an explant. Symplasmic isolation of somatic embryos from the explant was also detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To induce somatic embryogenesis in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), the cultivar BVII-03, belonging to the red type, was used. Different explants were evaluated, as were different culture media, the composition of which varied in the content of plant growth regulators. Results showed the formation of somatic embryos from cotyledons, zygotic embryos, germinated zygotic embryos, hypocotyls, and cotyledonary leaves. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2,4-D (9.05 µM). The somatic embryos always formed directly from the explant, without callus formation, and the greatest efficiency was obtained when segments of hypocotyls were cultured, obtaining 175 ± 20 somatic embryos per explant. Only the somatic embryos obtained on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 2,4-D (9.05 µM) and treated with abscisic acid (ABA) (1.89 µM) before their transfer to the germination media (Murashige and Skoog + 1.1 µM GA3) emitted their radicule and expanded their cotyledonary leaves (60%), whereas the remaining embryos did not achieve germination because of different causes (abnormalities, delayed development). Not only is this protocol of somatic embryogenesis the first to be reported for this species (C. chinense Jacq.), but it is also the most efficient reported so far, within the Capsicum genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryos differentiated directly on the rachis of immature inflorescences of Paspalum scrobiculatum L. cv. PSC 1 on culture to MS or N6 medium supplemented with different concentrations (4.5–22.5 μM) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Direct embryogenesis on the rachis of inflorescence explants forms the first instance in graminaceous plants. Highest frequency of direct embryogenesis (34%and 30% cultures, respectively) was possible on N6 medium supplemented with 4.5 μM of 2,4-D and MS medium fortified with9.0 μM of 2,4-D. Other tissues of the explant, floral-primordia, only after an initial phase of callusing differentiated into somatic embryos; indirect embryogenesis. Somatic embryogenesis, direct as well as indirect, was resolved by scanning electron microscopy. The somatic embryos germinated and developed into plantlets on regeneration medium. Interestingly, one week incubation of somatic embryos on activated charcoal (0.5%) fortified basal medium, supported high potential for ‘germination’ on transfer to charcoal-free basal medium. This beneficial effect of activated charcoal on regeneration of somatic embryos into plantlets is the first record in the Gramineae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a developmental process during which plant somatic cells, under suitable conditions, produce embryogenic cells that develop into somatic embryos (se). SE is the most important method for plant propagation in vitro, having both fundamental and applicative significance. SE can be induced from different tissues and organs, but when se are used as explants, the process is recognized as secondary or cyclic SE. We induced secondary SE in Centaurium erythraea by application of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU). A medium containing 0.1 mgL−1 2,4-D and 0.25 mgL−1 CPPU was optimal in terms of the number of primary SE explants forming se, the number of well-developed se per explant, and morphological appearance of the obtained se. These concentrations allowed SE to progress through three cycles, whereas at higher concentrations of 0.2 mgL−1 2,4-D and 0.5 mgL−1 CPPU, only two cycles were achieved. Histological analysis revealed that secondary se are formed both directly and indirectly. Secondary SE readily germinated and converted into plantlets. Induction of cyclic SE contributes to the conservation efforts of this endangered medicinal plant and expands the spectrum of in vitro developmental pathways described in centaury—an emerging model in developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We focused on the demonstration of a new pluripotent coffee cell culture system to control the growth and metabolic functions. Somatic cells in the epidermal layer of in vitro somatic embryos (SEs) of Coffea canephora expressed higher pluripotency to produce secondary SEs than primary or secondary meristematic tissue. SEs were ideal explants to selectively induce functionally-differentiated cell lines, both non-embryogenic callus (nEC) and embryogenic callus (EC). The protoplast co-culture bioassay method was used to explore allelopathic activity of these cultured coffee cells. Cell wall formation of lettuce protoplasts varied after five days of co-culture. A strong stimulative reaction was observed at lower nEC protoplast densities, whereas growth was inhibited at higher densities. The reaction of lettuce protoplasts after 12 days of co-culture was recognized as an inhibitory reaction of colony formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct somatic embryogenesis protocol was developed for four cultivars of Nicotiana species, by using leaf disc as an explant. Direct somatic embryogenesis of Nicotiana by using BAP and IAA has not been investigated so far. This method does not require formation of callus tissues which leads to somaclonal variations. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis was strongly influenced by the plant growth hormones. The somatic embryos developing directly from explant tissue were noticed after 6 d of culture. Somatic embryogenesis of a high frequency (87-96%) was observed in cultures of the all four genotypes (Nicotiana tabacum, N. benthamiyana, N. xanthi, N. t cv petihavana). The results showed that the best medium for direct somatic embryogenesis was MS supplemented with 2.5 mg/l, 0.2 mg/l IAA and 2% sucrose. Subculture of somatic embryos onto hormone free MS medium resulted in their conversion into plants for all genotypes. About 95% of the regenerated somatic embryos germinated into complete plantlets. The plants showed morphological and growth characteristics similar to those of seed-derived plants. Explants were transformed using Agrobacterium tumifacious LBA4404 plasmid pCAMBIA1301 harboring the GUS gene. The regenerated transgenic plants were confirmed by PCR analysis and histochemical GUS assay. The transformation efficiency obtained by using the Agrobacterium- mediated transformation was more than 95%. This method takes 6 wk to accomplish complete transgenic plants through direct somatic embryogenesis. The transgenic plantlets were acclimatized successfully with 98% survival in greenhouse and they showed normal morphological characteristics and were fertile. The regeneration and transformation method described herein is very simple, highly efficient and fast for the introduction of any foreign gene directly in tobacco through direct somatic embryogenesis.