Effects of fast neutron irradiation on plant regeneration in embryonic leaflet culture of peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.)

Dry seeds of peanut cultivars Huayu 22 were irradiated by 14 MeV fast neutrons with dosages of 0,9.7,14.0 and 18.0Gy respectively.Embryonic leaflets were separated from the irradiated seeds and incubated on MSB5 induction media containing 10mg/L 2,4-D.After 4 weeks culture,the subcultures were transferred to MSB5 media supplemented with 4mg/L BAP.The results showed that the frequencies of somatic embryo formation and plantlet regeneration varied with different dosages of fast neutron irradiation.The somatic embryo induction rates and plant regeneration rates declined with the increase of irradiation dosages.The optimum irradiation dose of fast neutron for Huayu22 was between 9.7Gy and 14.0Gy.The regenerated plantlets were sliced,grafted onto peanut seedlings of Huayu 23 and transplanted into field.The plants grew to maturity and produced viable seeds.