Danso, K.E.Elegba, W.Oduro, V.Kpentey, P.2019-04-302019-04-302010-01Vol.10(2): pp 94-100http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/handle/123456789/29677A comparative study on the effect of 2,4-D and Picloram on primary and cyclic embryo production as well as plant conversion in three local accessions of cassava was conducted. Leaf lobe explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 8 mg/l (2,4-D) or 16 mg/l (Picloram) induced the highest percentage embryogenic calli. On transfer to maturation medium (MS plus 0.1mg/l BAP), Picloram enhanced early embryo maturation (9 days), highest mean number of primary and cyclic embryo production (two-fold) than 2,4-D except in Wenchi and ADI 001 where leaf lobe explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 20 mg/l Picloram did not develop embryogenic calli. Somatic embryos produced by Picloram induced calli had thick and elongated hypocotyls which were oriented horizontally on the adaxial surface of the calli while most of the 2,4-D induced embryos mostly had fascinated hypocotyls vertically on the uppers surface. Desiccation of Picloram-induced somatic embryos significantly (P≤0.05) improved plant conversion than 2,4-D- induced embryos. Also, pretreatment of 2,4-D or Picloram- induced embryos with low concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) prior to desiccation enhanced higher frequency of germination of somatic embryos. This study has shown that Picloram enhances early maturation, high frequency embryo production as well as plant conversion, thus providing an alternative auxin for cassava somatic embryogenesis. © IJIB, All rights reserved.en2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acidEmbryogenic calliPicloramPlant conversionSomatic embryoArticle