Abstract

The potential of in vitro regeneration in Tamarillo, Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendt. was examined. Morphogenic responses were observed in a series of organs, mainly through somatic embryogenesis, adventitious shoots from leaf explants and root formation in axillary buds leading to plantlets. Somatic embryos were induced from ovaries, petioles and cotyledons. In axillary buds and leaf explants it was found that, at the same time related with initiation of morphogenic events, a substantial increase in soluble protein synthesis occurred, while browning and necrosis decreased.