Somatic embryogenesis is the process of formation of non-zygotic embryos of plant material from somatic cells under in-vitro conditions. It is an essential biotechnology technique for clonal propagation and genetic transformation in plants. This study focuses on the somatic embryogenesis of Elaeocarpus ganitrus, commonly known as Rudraksh, a tree species with great religious and therapeutic significance. The research involves the somatic embryos were induced from in vitro cultured leaf tissue of Elaeocarpus ganitrus. The explants were grown in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media after surface sterilization. The medium was supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of PGRs, especially Indole acetic acid (IAA) and 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4 -D). The induced somatic embryos were subsequently cultured to enhance development and maturation. The development from explants was critical, but has led to advancement in the conservation of Elaeocarpus species. The current study aims to develop somatic embryos from explants of the species to conserve Elaeocarpus ganitrus spp. and even other endangered tree species.
The in-vitro micropropagation and plant tissue culture of Elaeocarpus ganitrus have been reported in various studies, whereas globally, we found the somatic embryogenesis in Elaeocarpus ganitrus for the first time.