Somatic Embryogenesis and Bud Formation on Cultured Fagopyrum esculentum Hypocotyls

An indirect somatic embryogenesis via the development of proembryogenic cell complexes (PECC) was observed in the in vitro cultured hypocotyl explants of 4–5-day-old buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) seedlings. PECC development was shown to depend on culturing conditions, including 2,4-D concentration and the period of explant exposure to 2,4-D, sucrose concentration, and explant density. The culturing protocol was designed to ensure the development of buckwheat somatic embryos in two-month period. The cytogenetic analysis demonstrated that this protocol did not affect the chromosome numbers in the regenerated plants.