Optimizing the Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Variety Money Maker

The factorial experiment conducted in this study aimed to induce somatic embryogenesis in tomato cultivar Money Maker using different culture media and growth regulator combinations. The experiment was done in a completely randomized design with three replications. Three types of culture media, namely MS, B5, and MS + Vitamin B5, were used in combination with three hormonal combinations: 2,4-D (2 mg/L) + BA (1.5 mg/L), 2,4-D (8 mg/L) + BA (6 mg/L), and IAA (2 mg/L) + BA (5 mg/L). Additionally, three types of explants (cotyledon, hypocotyl and root) were utilized to induce somatic embryos. To promote embryo maturation, the explants were transferred to a hormone-free culture medium. The results revealed that the highest number of immature embryos was obtained from cotyledon explants cultured in MS medium with the hormonal combination of 2,4-D (2 mg/L) + BA (1.5 mg/L) and in hypocotyl explants in MB medium supplemented with the hormonal combination of 2,4-D (8 mg/L) + BA (6 mg/L), with an average of 20.33 embryos per explant. Also, the highest percentage of embryogenesis (93.33%) was in hypocotyl explants at MS culture medium with the hormonal combination of IAA (2 mg/L) + BA (5 mg/L). After two weeks of cultivation, the presence of globular embryos was visible on the surface of the explants under binoculars. By transferring the explants to light conditions and subsequently to a hormone-free culture medium, the embryos further developed and matured.