Growth regulators and darkness increase efficiency in in vitro culture of immature embryos from peppers

Common pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetables in the world, and extensive breeding efforts are being made to develop new improved strains of this species. In this regard, in vitro culture of immature embryos may help breeders accelerate breeding cycles and overcome interspecific barriers, among other applications. In this study, we have optimized a protocol for in vitro culture of immature embryos of C. annuum. Levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin have been tested to improve the efficiency (germination rates) of this technique in C. annuum embryos at the...