In vitro regeneration of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) via somatic embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis was induced from calli derived from embryonic axis explants of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Five different concentrations of the auxin, 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid (2, 4-D) was tested for induction of embryogenetic potential from explants. Explants cultured in modified MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 3.0 mgl⁻¹ 2, 4-D responded best in terms of callus induction (82%), conversion of calli to embryogenetic pathway and finally plantlet development. Developed plantlets exhibited healthy shoots and roots that could be successfully hardened in soil and established as mature fertile plants. The reported protocol can be effectively utilized for genetic improvement of chickpea.