AN ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY FOR PLANT IN VITRO REGENERATION OF INSECTICIDAL TREE MELIA AZEDARACH L. DERIVED FROM THE INDUCTION OF SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS

A model for highly efficient method for plant regeneration from somatic embryos of chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach L.) was obtained. Mature seeds were cultured on Murashige and Skoog´s medium supplemented with NAA/BA to induce embryogenic tissues. Embryo proliferation occurred with high level citokinin concentration (10 mg/L BAP) and germination occurred on free hormone medium or in BAP/AG3 medium. Plants were regenerated from both, direct embryo formation and through an intermediary callus phase. Results showed 100% embryo conversion to plant. Regenerated plants were normal phenotypically and continued to grow after transfer to a greenhouse environment with 100% of surviving with high rate of growth.