Fundamental Facets of Somatic Embryogenesis and Its Applications for Advancement of Peanut Biotechnology

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.)is one of the most vital crops providing predominant supply of protein, vitamins and fats, along with other necessary nutrients. Various factors, responsible for induction, maintenance, multiplication of the embryogenic cultures, as well as maturation and conversion of somatic embryos (SEs)into complete plants have been discussed in this review. In order to find the present trends and thriving methodologies for the development of somatic embryogenesis, a lot of emphasis has been given to the economically important species. It has been reported that from young meristematic tissues like immature embryos and leaves of legumes, SE can be induced comparatively in a easier way. However, there are multiple constraints that limit the usage of somatic embryogenesis-based biotechnological applications on legumes, such as low rate of embryo formation, reduced germination, inadequate conversion into plantlets and somaclonal variation. These hindrances, nonetheless, may significantly be diminished in future, since the effective plant growth regulators with specific morphogenic targets are becoming available for experimental purposes. Existing reports reveal that somatic embryogenic systems, having superior germination and regeneration ability shall have direct usage in large-scale propagation and several other crop improvement features. With increasing knowledge of different morphogenic processes, involving differentiation of zygotic embryos, it is possible that improvement of this technology having practical efficacy may be applicable for the important peanut genotypes.