Advances in wheat biotechnology and in vitro somatic embryogenesis (SE) provide new openings to faster application
of these techniques in functional genomic studies, genetic engineering and plant breeding. This study reports in vitro SE
using plumule and radicle explants of two wheat cultivars Cakmak and Kunduru on MS induction medium amended with
varying concentrations of 2,4-D. Both plumule and radicle explants were regenerative and induced variable number of
somatic embryos per explant. Explants and treatment methods affected in vitro SE irrespective of the genotypes used in
the study. Although 100% SE was noted on both explants of two cultivars, plumule explants of both genotypes induced
heavy and larger friable calli followed by somatic embryogenic calli in terms of weight. Plumule explants also induced
large numbers of shoot buds and somatic embryo-induced maturing shoots per explant. The in vitro raised plantlets
were successfully rooted followed by hardening and acclimatisation in pots containing peat moss in mist house. After
7 days from weaning, these plants were transferred to a shade house to grow and set flowers. Water spray containing
0.50 µg of NPK (1:1:1) was given at intervals of 4 d to enhance success rate of acclimatised plants. Success rates of 96
and 80% were noted on plumule and radicle-induced plants, respectively. It is further concluded that use of this novel
methodology would favorably facilitate its use in genetic transformation and functional genomic studies.