Multiple shoot induction from embryo derived callus cultures of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata l.) Walp

The production of whole plant of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) L. Walp from calli is an efficient, reliable and rapid strategy. This provides a faster method of micro propagation. Seeds of the pea were surface sterilized, and then the embryo axes were dissected and germinated. Callus growth was induced on the cut surface of the embryo of V. unguiculata. Root development in the cells was promoted by the action of the auxin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), at low cytokinin concentration. After five weeks, multiple shoots ranging from two to four developed from the calli cultures after being subcultured on media with high concentration of cytokinin, benzylaminopurine (BAP). Percentages shoot production from calli grown on media with 1 mM concentration of BAP was 45.5% while calli subcultured on 4 mM BAP produced 87.5% shoot production. Percentage rate of survival was between 21-26% in the hardened transplanted plantlets.