Abstract: The effects of TDZ and 2,4-D on the differentiat ion of mature peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) embryonic explants were investigated.The results showed that leaf lets and embryonic axes of 3~5-day-old seedlings produced multiple buds and somatic embryos,which developed into shoots following transferred to MS medium without hormone or MS medium supplemented with BA 0.5 mg/L and NAA 0.4 mg/L.These shoots regenerated normal plants af ter they were transferred to medium containing half st reng th major elements and 0.4 mg/L IBA.The dif ferentiation rate of leaflets is higher than that of embryonic axes while the lat ter produced regenerated plants in a shorter period of time.Embryonic axes soaked in sterile water for 16~24 h could form adventitious buds with low frequency on medium containing 5~30 mg/L 2,4-D and young leaf lets of embryos differentiated somatic embryos with abno rmali ty on the induct ion of 5~30 mg/L 2,4-D.

Key words: peanut, mature embryo, TDZ, 2,4-D, somatic embryo