Direct somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed production of Persian oak (Quercus brantii L.) using 2,4-D hormone

Persian oak (Quercus brantii L.) is the most important Zagros forest tree in Iran. Therefore, in order to maintain the survival of this specie, use the laboratory methods such as tissue culture and somatic embryogenesis is suitable. So, two separate experiments were designed includes somatic embryogenesis and encapsulation of somatic embryos. Somatic embryogenesis experiment was done in CRD with 4 replications. In this experiment immature zygotic embryos as explant source and 2,4-D in 4 level (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg l-1) were used. Encapsulation test was done in factorial based on CRD with 4 replications; factors include sodium alginate in 3 concentrations (3.5, 4 and 4.5 %) and CaCl2 in two concentrations (50 and 100 Mm). Results of somatic embryogenesis showed that the maximum number of somatic embryos and the highest somatic embryogenesis percentage (66.6%) were observed in 0.25 mg l-1 2,4-D. Results of encapsulation showed that, sodium alginate 3.5% with CaCl2 50 mM was the best treatment for encapsulation of somatic embryos and had highest germination percentage (100%).