Somatic embryogenesis in some quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.) varieties

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is grows naturally the Andes mountains of South America and has been introduced in to Turkey during recent years. It is rich in vitamins, proteins, amino acids because of large amounts of lysine, and methionine that are important in human nutrition. The high level of saponin causes deterioration of taste quality. Somatic embryogenesis is the process by which bipolar somatic embryo structures are produced in the on the somatic tissues of the plant. Somatic embryogenesis is one of the most effective techniques for massive vegetative propagation in vitro. In this study, different types of 2,4-D, TDZ, BAP plant growth regulators were applied to shoot tip and stem explants of quinoa and somatic embryogenesis was investigated. The highest (%100) callus formation was obtained on Limtar Red variety out of three quinoa varieties Limtar Black, Limtar Red, Limtar White used in the study on MS medium containing 0.50 mg / L and 1.00 mg / L 2,4-D. It was observed that the shoot tip explant is more effective compared tos tem explant in inducing somatic embryo formation on MS medium containing 2,4-D, TDZ and BAP. This study sets a foundation for future genetic transformation reseaech, especially when the level of saponin is to be reduced for improvement of agronomic charachteristics in quinoa plant especially through in vitro and synthetic seed production protocols. Key Words: quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Wild., biotechnology, somatic embryogenesis, callus culture