Figure 4

TcLEC2 expression correlates with embryogenic potential. A. Illustration of the cacao secondary somatic embryogenesis stages and time frame, indicating the points used for sample collections. Representative images of several key stages of embryo development: (i) cotyledon stage PSU-SCA6 embryo used as explants to initiate secondary somatic embryogenesis cultures; (i) & (iii) cotyledon explants on hormone-free medium at 28 days ACI, from cultures initiated on SCG medium containing 2, 4D and modified SCG without 2, 4D, respectively; (iv) & (v) cotyledon explants on ED at 46 days ACI (same treatments as above); (vi) & (vii) cotyledon explants on ED at 70 days ACI (same treatments as above); (Bars = 2 mm). B. Time course expression pattern of TcLEC2 during cacao secondary somatic embryogenesis from cultures initiated on SCG medium containing 2,4D and modified SCG without 2, 4D. Expression of TcLEC2 was normalized relative to that of TcACP1 (n = 3 or 4, mean ± SE). C. Expression levels of TcLEC2 at different time points in embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli. Expression of TcLEC2 was normalized relative to that of TcACP1. Bars represent mean ± SE (n = 3 or 4). Significance was established by t-test (*represents for p-value < 0.05).