Expression of somatic embryogenesis related genes in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).

The low frequency of plantlet regenerates from the somatic embryogenesis (SE)callus in sugarcane becomes a problem to produce its seed. Plant growth regulators were able to increase the regeneration frequency of SE to normal plantlets, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)as promoting callus induction. Since molecular mechanisms involved SE in sugarcane have not been reported, expression of Baby Boom (BBM)and Leafy Cotyledon (LEC)genes related to SE had investigated. The effect of difference concentration of 2,4-D on callus induction and expression of somatic embryogenesis-related genes (BBM and LEC)in sugarcane were important information for the increasing quantity and quality of seed production. The percentage of callus formation and embryogenic callus in the Murashige and Skoog's (MS)medium contained 4 mg L?1 2,4-D after 6 week cultivation were 76 per cent and 86 per cent, respectively. The MS?+?4 mg L?1 2,4-D medium was recommended for the large-scale embryogenic callus production from sugarcane explant. The high-level expression of BBM and LEC was shown in the embryogenic callus, which suggested that the expressions of both genes were believed to play on the somatic embryogenesis regulation in sugarcane.