Cyanogenesis in somatic embryos and plantlets of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Abstract

A protocol was established for high frequency cyclic somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration for the cassava variety PRC 60a. Linamarin content and linamarase activity were determined in various tissues of secondary somatic embryos and regenerated plants. Neither linamarin nor linamarase activity were detected in embryogenic callus and somatic embryos. The stems and leaves of regenerated plants, however, contained variable amounts of linamarin and linamarase activity whereas, in the root tissues, only linamarin was detected. This study suggests that the pathway for linamarin biosynthesis may be absent or not switched on in the embryogenic callus and somatic embryos. This system would be useful for investigating cyanogenesis in cassava.