Genetic variation for regenerative response in immature leaflet cultures of the cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea

Forty-seven genotypes of the cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., were screened for regenerative responses of immature leaflet cultures on two media varying in the auxin: cytokinin ratio. Statistical analysis revealed significant media and genotype differences for rhizogenesis plus media differences for callus proliferation but no differences for shoot formation. When genotypes were categorized according to botanical types, differences between subspecies were observed for rhizogenesis. Cultivars of the Virginia botanical type (subspecies hypogaea) were significantly different from either the Valencia or Spanish botanical types (both subspecies fastigiata). Overall, rhizogenesis varied from 0 to 70% among all genotypes. Shoot production was low (30%) while callus proliferation was extremely high (70%).