We induced somatic embryogenesis from the cotyledon segments of O/ea europaea (L) cvs. 'Chetoui', 'Chemleli', and 'Arbequina'. Calli were established from all three cultivars on OMc media supplemented with IBA and 2i-P. The greatest success was obtained with media that contained zero or low concentrations of growth regulators. High levels of hormones (i.e.,>0.5 mgL -1 IBA and 2i-P) inhibited embryogenesis. Embryos at different maturation stages were observed with continuously proliferating secondary embryogenesis. Abnormally shaped embryos and teratoma were also noted. Four weeks was the optimal incubation period for inducing embryogenesis on the auxin-containing medium. In addition, 30 to 40 gL -1 sucrose was more effective than glucose in stimulating the growth and maturation of somatic embryos. Embryogenic efficiency was also higher when multivariate combinations of nitrogen sources (inorganic and organic nitrogen forms) were used. The plantlets that were derived from our germinating somatic embryos were similar to those obtained from axillary buds.

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Somatic embryogenesis of olive Olea europaea (L.) 'Chetoui' was studied using cell suspension cultures initiated from mature leaf-derived calli. Calli were developed on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 10 lM NAA and 2.25 lM 2i-P in the dark. Different combinations of three plant growth regulators (2,4-D, NAA and zeatin) were tested to determine cell proliferation and somatic embryogenesis induction and differentiation. Embryogenic suspension cultures were established in olive-modified medium for embryogenesis (OMe) containing 2.5 lM 2,4-D and 2.5 lM zeatin. Pre-globular and globular embryos were induced from mature olive tissue in liquid medium. In addition, the nitrogen form as inorganic (reduced; (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 or oxidized; KNO 3 ) and organic (CH) was used separately or in combination to improve the cell growth and proliferation. The most effective growth rate and cell proliferation were obtained with the medium containing inorganic and organic nitrogen forms.

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