Physical characteristics of the seeds 'beads' varied with the concentration of gelling agent and calcium chloride.
Germination and regeneration potential of synthetic seeds under in vivo and in vitro conditions were assessed on different
substrates. Among the ditterent substrates tested for in vitro germination, best results were recorded in M alone and with AC
Supplemented with TAA, (l mgt ; the seeds germinated with 93.50 +O.66% and 94.00+0.61% frequency respectively, whereas
under in vivo conditions in epiphytic compost 40.50 +0.43% seeds showed bead-to-plant conversion under in vivo conditions in
eniphytic compoSt. Spherical, non-leaky, firm and self-breaking beads agerminated efficiently and these could be stored for up to
a0 days at 4°C temperature. The beads stored at ambient room temperature germinated with 49.00 +0.61% frequency after 15
davs which was gradually reduced to 26.50 t 0.82% and O % after 30 and. 45 days respectively. The viability was completely
Iost after 45 days. The plantlets regenerated from encapsulated PLBs were subseauently hardened and established in green house
conditions