The γ-aminobutyric acid (Gaba) is a non-protein amino acid found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Its role in plant development
has not been fully established. This study reports a quantification of the levels of endogenous Gaba, as well as investigation of its
role in different stages of somatic embryogenesis in Acca sellowiana Berg. (Myrtaceae). Zygotic embryos were used as explants
and they were inoculated into the culture medium contained different concentrations of Gaba (0,2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 μM). The highest
concentrations of endogenous Gaba were detected between the third and nine days after inoculation, reaching the value of 12.77
μmol.g-1FW. High frequency of somatic embryogenesis was observed in response to 10 μM Gaba. This treatment also resulted in
a large number of normal embryos, and the lowest percentage of formation of fused somatic embryos, phenotypic characteristic
of most deformed embryos in all treatments. Also, all treatments promoted the formation of the somatic embryos with positive
characteristics of development resumption, which however did not originate the seedlings.
