Sulekha, G RHima, SugathanKAU2019-11-212019-11-212003http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810135870PGStandardization of techniques for the in vitro propagation of bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.] via somatic embryogenesis was attempted. The studies were carried out at the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2001-2003. Attempts were made to induce somatic embryogenesis using explants such as cotyledons, nucellus, hypocotyls, integuments, in vitro leaves, roots, internode and ex-vitro leaves. The effects of culture medium (basal media, major and minor nutrients, plant growth substances, sucrose, coconut water, activated charcoal and malt extract), culture conditions and frequency of subculture on various stages of somatic embryogenesis were studied. Among the various explants tried, somatic embryogenesis could be induced only from cotyledons. Induction of embryogenic calli from cotyledonary explants occurred in MS basal medium supplemented with 2,4 0 0.2 mg r', BA 0.1 mg r', CW 200.0 ml r', sucrose 40.0 g r' and agar 6.0 g r'. But the percentage initiation was low (16.67 per cent). Dark culture condition was found to favour callus initiation. Sub culturing in the medium of same composition at an interval of 15 days increased the percentage induction of callus by 20.00 than when subcultured at 10 days interval. Liquid culture with filter paper bridges induced organogenesis than embryogenesis. The embryogenic calli obtained in the induction medium, when sub cultured in half strength MS basal medium supplemented with BA 0.2 mg i', sucrose 40.0 g i', and agar 6.0 g r' initiated 40-50 globular somatic embryos. Even after two months, the somatic embryos did not germinate. However, they are kept in the same medium for observing further growth and development. Further studies on refinement of culture media and culture conditions are necessary for evolving a reliable protocol for somatic embryogenesis in Aegle marmelos.ennullThesis