In vitro response of encapsulated and non-encapsulated somatic embryos of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour × C. deliciosa Tenora)

The aim of present investigation was to study the effect of storage conditions on percentage germination of encapsulated and non-encapsulated somatic embryos of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour × C. deliciosa Tenora). Different batches of encapsulated and non-encapsulated embryos were preserved at room temperature, 4°C, in liquid nitrogen as such and by embedding in liquid paraffin. In the encapsulated somatic embryos stored at room temperature in sealed Petri plates, percentage of germination was 24.99%, but 5.55% in non-encapsulated embryos after 3 days of storage. Encapsulated embryos stored in vials containing liquid paraffin at room temperature were germinated at 18.05% after 60 days of storage, while it was 13.88% in non-encapsulated embryos after 45 days of storage. Encapsulated somatic embryos stored at 4°C in sealed Petri plates remained viable for up to 75 days with 6.94% germination, whereas non-encapsulated embryos remained viable for up to 45 days with 24.99% germination. Encapsulated embryos stored at 4°C in vials filled with paraffin germinated at 11.11% after 120 days of storage, but 5.55% in non-encapsulated embryos after 90 days of storage. Encapsulated and non-encapsulated embryos stored in liquid nitrogen showed 58.33 and 51.38% survival, respectively, after 7 months of storage. The plantlets developed from these embryos were transplanted after acclimatization and are growing normal.