The present study describes the incidence of somatic embryo (SE) irregularities in
Catharanthus roseus. In this ornamental and anti-cancerous medicinal plant, SEs were
developed at a very high rate from hypocotyl callus on MS medium, amended with 1.0
mg l-1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 1.5 mg l-1 benzylaminopurine (BA). But at
high (1.5 mg l-1
) plant growth regulators (PGRs) levels severe embryo developmental
abnormalities were caused. The major aberrant SE types have been described in the
present communication. In several cases, the in vitro raised SEs had underdeveloped root
ends or with aborted root axis. These irregularities in embryo structure appreciably
reduced embryo germination rate and plantlet recovery. Here, we evaluated the effect of
various PGRs, activated charcoal (AC), and various levels of sucrose in order to improve
SE quality and germination. Medium added with 4.0 % sucrose improved rooting ability
and growth. The addition of AC improved plantlet conversion significantly by promoting
rooting.