Optimization of Somatic Embryogenesis in Ferula assa-foetida L. (a Rare Medicinal Plant)

Experiments was carried out to examine the effect of abscisic acid (ABA), source of carbon and temperature on secondary somatic embryogenesis and somatic embryo germination of Ferula assa-foetida L. Cotyledonary somatic embryos were cultured on MS (Murashig and Skoog, 1962) medium supplemented with 0, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mg/l ABA and on MS medium with 3% mannitol, sorbitol or sources. The highest number of secondary somatic embryos (35.94) was observed on MS medium devoid of ABA at 25°C, but the addition of abscisic acid, sorbitol or manitol to the MS basal medium significantly reduced the formation of secondary somatic embryos at 5°C. The concentration of abscisic acid had a significant effect on the rate of secondary somatic embryogenesis. Among the carbon source studied, mannitol significantly suppressed the induction of secondary somatic embryos. Abscisic acid had a positive effect on the percentage of somatic embryo germination. Higher germination was observed with1.0 or 1.5 mg/l ABA, but it was not significantly affected by sorbitol or manitol. Abscisic acid increased germination at 15°C and 25°C while sorbitol and manitol enhanced it at 5°C.