Starch deposition and amylase accumulation during somatic embryogenesis in bamboo (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii)

In monocots, the zygotic embryo is protected and nourished by an endosperm. In the present study starch deposition and amylase accumulation was noticed during somatic embryogenesis in stem callus of a bamboo, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. SEM studies revealed that starch grains were clearly visible in the scutellum during the maturation stage of the somatic embryo. As the somatic embryo developed further, the scutellum got reduced with corresponding increase in amylase. The amylase activity was tested periodically at different developmental stages of embryos. The role of scutellum in somatic embryos for starch deposition and amylase accumulation is discussed.