transferred to half strength MS medium free of
plant growth regulators and complete plantlets
were obtained within 12 weeks (Fig. 1f) from
the start of culturing the nucellus tissues, and
to the time point when they were ready for
acclimatization. The plantlets thus obtained
through somatic embryogenesis were
transferred to a soil mixture (sand : peat moss,
2 : 1) and the rate of survival was 100%.
In conclusion, the results obtained in the
present work demonstrate efficient cloning of
local orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck),
through somatic embryogenesis. Furthermore,
this in vitro culture method is useful not only
for plant breeding and genetic studies, but also
for studying the tolerance of orange trees to
abiotic stresses, in particular, soil salinity,
which is generally detrimental to plant growth
and productivity in Iraq and worldwide