In vitro Production of Neomorphs in Anethum graveolens L.

Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in hypocotyl explants of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague

“…Embryogenesis from hypocotyl explants in the Apiaceae is well documented in Ammi majus (Grewal et al 1976), Anethum graveolens (Johri & Sehgal 1965), Apium graveolens (Williams & Collin 1976) and Daucus carom (Reinert 1967) Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is an important spice and medicinal herb cultivated in India, especially in a few districts of Gujarat and adjoining areas. The fruits yield an essential oil containing mainly thymol.…”

Totipotency, somatic embryogenesis, and Harry Waris (1893–1973)

“…Multiplication could occur on subculturing and these eventually gave rise to normal plants of dill. Johri and Sehgal (1965) recognized the similarity of what they had encountered to Waris's and Miettinen's neomorphs. While the exact histological origin of the neomorphs was not addressed, they were struck by the fact that a substantial number of neomorphs were produced.…”

“…Waris (1962) had, for instance, pointed out that changes in somatic chromosome numbers had occurred in some of his cultures, but it was not possible to specify the cause. There is no suggestion in the note by Johri and Sehgal (1965) that they believed that any effort should be made to avoid the production of neomorphs and to make efforts to get more normal embryoids.…”

Historical Insights into Some Contemporary Problems in Somatic Embryogenesis

“…Any of these kinds of abnormalities, when present to a greater or lesser extent, qualify to be called neomorphs (see e.g. Waris, 1959;Johri and Sehgal, 1965;Narayanaswamy and George, 1974;Krikorian and Kann, 1981;Christianson et al, 1983;Rangaswamy, 1986;Smith and Krikorian, 1991;Litz and Gray, 1992 p. 4). For me 'neomorphs' also include structures that are embryos so severely "vitrified" or "hyper-hydric" as to be aberrant.…”