A first attempt on sanitation of Algerian Citrus genotypes by stigma/ style somatic embryogenesis

In vitro somatic embryogenesis from citrus style and stigma culture is highly effective in the elimination of the main virus and virus-like diseases. This method was applied for the regeneration of many genotypes of the main Citrus species cultivated in Algeria, which were infected with virus and viroid agents. Closed flowers were collected and cultured in vitro for the regeneration of somatic embryos. Callus was formed at the cut end of the styles in all tested genotypes. About 40-150 days after culture initiation all Citrus species regenerated somatic embryos with the only exception of Cleopatra mandarin that never regenerated plantlets in vitro. Preliminary results showed no infection in the regenerated plants, one year after culture initiation.