High frequency production of haploid embryos in asparagus anther culture

Summary A method for obtaining a high frequency of haploid asparagus embryos through anther culture was developed. Flowers collected from plants in the field in July, August and September 1990, for the genotype G203, were stored at 5°C for 24 h. Anthers were placed on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) containing 500 mg l ^–1 casein hydrolysate, 800 mg l^–1 glutamine, 2 mg l ^–1 NAA, 1 mg l ^–1 BA and 5 % sucrose at 32 °C in the dark for three to four weeks to induce calli. Calli were then grown at 25 °C with a 16 h photoperiod for three to four weeks. Developing embryos and calli were transferred to embryo maturation medium, MS containing 6% sucrose, 0.1 mg l ^–1 NAA, 0.1 mg l ^–1 kinetin and 0.65 mg l ^–1 ancymidol, for four weeks. More than 50% of the recovered mature embryos germinated on MS containing l mg l ^–1 GA₃. Anthers with microspores at the late-uninucleate stage had the highest frequency of total and embryogenic calli formation, 40% and 15%, respectively. Each embryogenic callus usually produced 10–15 embryos. Aproximately 75 plants per 100 anthers cultured were recovered: 76% haploid, 22% diploid and 2% triploid. High temperature was critical for the induction of embryogenic callus.Abbreviations NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - BA 6-benzylaminopurine - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962)     

Regeneration of haploid plants from isolated microspores of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)

High percentages of micro-calli and micro-derived embryos were produced from isolated asparagus microspores at late uninucleate stage on MS liquid medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg l^–1 BA. Two types of calli, namely compact callus (CC) and loose callus (LC), were found. Plantlets were regenerated via organogenesis, when these calli were transferred onto MS solid medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 BA and 0.2 mg l^–1 IBA 6 weeks. Embryos were produced from liquid cultured microspores, or from solid cultured micro-calli. The frequencies of haploid plant production from organogenesis and embryogenesis were compared. Effects of plant growth regulators on callus production, plantlet regeneration, and haploid plant production were tested. The combination of BA 1.0 mg l^–1 and IBA 0.2 mg l^–1 resulted the highest precentage of haploid plant production (7.7% from CC, 4.3% from LC).Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IBA 3-indolybutyric acid - BA 6-binzyladinine - NAA naphtalene acetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog     

The effects of ancymidol,abscisic acid,uniconazole and paclobutrazol on somatic embryogenesis of asparagus

Summary The effects of ancymidol, abscisic acid (ABA), uniconazole, and paclobutrazol on asparagus somatic embryogenesis were evaluated. Calli induced from seedlings of genotype G447 were transferred to embryo induction medium (MS plus 3% sucrose, 0.1 mg L^–1 NAA, 0.5 mg L^–1 kinetin and 3% gelrite), with different concentrations of these compounds. After 8 weeks, the recovered bipolar or globular embryos were placed on germination medium (MS plus 6% sucrose, 0.1 mg L^–1 NAA, 0.1 mg L^–1 kinetin, 0.75 mg L^–1 ancymidol, 40 mg L^–1 adenine sulphate dihydrate, 0.17 mg L^–1 sodium phosphate monobasic and 3% gelrite) for conversion to plantlets. Inclusion of ancymidol, ABA, uniconazole and paclobutrazol in the embryo induction medium did not affect the total number of somatic embryos produced relative to the control without these compounds. However, ancymidol, ABA and uniconazole significantly improved embryo development by increasing the production of bipolar embryos 250–750% and decreasing that of globular embryos 8–35% relative to the control. The bipolar embryos produced with any of the four compounds in the embryo induction medium converted to plantlets at rates 700–1100% greater than the control. None of the globular embryos converted to plantlets. Ancymidol (0.75 mg L^–1) and ABA (0.05 mg L^–1) were the most effective treatments; 61 and 46 bipolar embryos g^–1 callus were produced, and 38% and 37% of the bipolar embryos converted to plantlets, respectively. These results indicated that ancymidol, ABA, uniconazole and paclobutrazol significantly enhanced the production of asparagus somatic embryos and their conversion to plantlets, and ancymidol and ABA were more effective than uniconazole and paclobutrazol.Abbreviations Ancymidol a-cyclopropyl-a(4-methoxyphenyi)-5-pyrimidine methanol - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - Paclobutrazol I-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-pentan-3-ol - Uniconazole (E)-(p-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-1-pentan-3-ol - ABA abscisic acid - GA gibberellic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature zygotic embryos of papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Summary Immature zygotic embryos from open-pollinated and selfed Carica papaya L. fruits, 90 to 114 days post-anthesis, produced 2 to 20 somatic embryos on apical domes, cotyledonary nodes, and radicle meristems after culture for three weeks on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 to 25 mg l^–1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 400 mg l^–1 glutamine, and 6% sucrose. After six weeks of culture, about 40 to 50% of the zygotic embryos had become embryogenic, and each embryogenic embryo yielded hundreds of somatic embryos within five months of culture on media supplemented with 2,4-D. Somatic embryos matured on half-strength MS medium, germinated on MS medium containing 5 mg l^–1 kinetin, and grew large enough for greenhouse culture on MS medium. Shoots were rooted in vermiculite and grown in the greenhouse.Journal Series no. 3449 of the Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources     

Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis on Holostemma ada-kodien,a rare medicinal plant

Plant regeneration through indirect somatic embryogenesis has been established on Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. Type of auxin significantly influenced somatic embryogenesis. Friable callus, developed from leaf, internode and root explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1.0 mg l^–1), was most effective for the induction of somatic embryos. Subculture of the friable callus developed on 2,4-D (1.0 mg l^–1) onto solid or liquid 1/2 MS medium with 0.1 or 0.5 mg l 2,4-D turned the callus embryogenic. Suspension cultures were superior to static cultures (solid medium) for the induction of somatic embryos. Transfer of embryogenic callus to liquid 1/2 or 1/4 MS medium with lower levels of 2,4-D (0.05–0.1 mg l^–1) induced the highest number of somatic embryos. An average of 40 embryos were obtained from 10 mg callus. Fifty per cent embryos exhibited maturation and conversion upon transfer to 1/10 MS basal solid medium. Plantlets were established in field conditions and 90 per cent survived.     

Interactions of ancymidol with sucrose and α-naphthaleneacetic acid in promoting asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) somatic embryogenesis

Interactions of varying ancymidol concentrations with those of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or sucrose in embryo induction medium were related to the production and development of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) somatic embryos, and to the ability of these embryos to germinate. A significant sucrose×ancymidol interaction was observed only for the production of bipolar embryos; 4% sucrose with 0.75 mg l^–1 ancymidol gave the best result, 78 g^–1 callus. The frequency of globular embryos decreased as sucrose or ancymidol concentrations increased. Sucrose concentration affected embryo germination; 3% and 4% sucrose were optimal with approximately 60% and 40% of bipolar and globular embryos germinating, respectively. Significant ancymidol×NAA interactions were observed for the production of bipolar and globular embryos and their germination. Varying ancymidol concentrations affected embryo production and germination in combination with 0.1 mg l^–1 NAA, but not with 1.0 mg l^–1 NAA. The treatment combination of 0.1 mg l^–1 NAA with 0.75 mg l^–1 ancymidol produced the most bipolar embryos, 64 g^–1 callus, and the greatest percentages of bipolar and globular embryos germinated, 63% and 42%, respectively. Received: 19 August 1996 / Revision received: 24 April 1997 / Accepted: 22 May 1997     

Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioscorea zingiberensis</Emphasis>

A new method was established for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from callus cultures of Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright. Primary callus was induced by culturing stems, leaves and petioles on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5–2.0 mg l^–1 N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) and 0–2.0 mg l^–1 -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for 1 month. The highest frequency (87%) of callus formation was achieved from stem explants treated with 0.5 mg l^–1 BA and 2.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D. Somatic embryos were obtained by subculturing embryogenic calli derived from stem explants on MS medium supplemented with 2.0–4.0 mg l^–1 BA and 0–0.4 mg l^–1 NAA or 2,4-D for 3 weeks. The optimum combination of 4.0 mg l^–1 BA and 0.2 mg l^–1 NAA promoted embryo formation on one-third of the calli. After a further month of subculture on the same medium, mature embryos were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 0–4.0 mg l^–1 BA, NAA or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for further development of plantlets and tuber formation. Plant growth regulators had a negative effect on the development of mature embryos.     

Induction of haploid callus and embryogenesis in in vitro cultured anthers of mulberry (Morus indica)

Anthers of Morus indica L., with microspores at the uninucleate stage were cultured; and the influence of temperature and kinetin pretreatment on induction of androgenic calluses was examined. The effects of various pretreatments revealed that 24 h cold pretreatment increased the percentage of cultures inducing callus. First microspore division was observed after 16 to 20 days of culture. Th anthers split and developed embryogenic calluses on MB medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 mg l^–1 and BA (1.0 mg l^–1)) using 8% sucrose. Rhizogenesis was induced on medium supplemented with NAA and BA (each 0.5 mg l^–1) with reduced myo-inositol (75 mg l^–1). Cytological study of induced roots confirmed the haploid nature of calluses. Different type of embryos were initiated upon transfer of calluses to medium supplemented with NAA, BA (each 0.5 mg l^–1), 2,4-d (1.0 mg l^–1) and PVP (600 mg l^–1). These embryoids further developed roots on removal of 2,4-d from the medium and developed precociously without developing cotyledons and formed elongated shoots.Abbreviations BA 6 benzylaminopurine - 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - FAA formalin: Acetic acid: Alcohol - GA₃ gibberellic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - MB modifed Bourgin (Qian et al., 1982) - NAA 1-naphthalene acetic acid - PVP polyvinylpyrrolidone - RFS-135 rainfed selection 135 - SE standard error     

Establishment of Orthosiphon stamineus Cell Suspension Culture for Cell Growth

Callus of Orthosiphon stamineus could be induced successfully from petiole, leaf and stem tissues but not roots when cultured on MS medium containing different concentration of NAA (0–4.0 mg l^–1) and 2,4-D (0–2.0 mg l^–1). Highest fresh weight callus production was obtained from leaf explants and those with best friability were obtained on MS medium plus 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D plus 1.0 mg l^–1 NAA. Cell suspension cultures were established from these cultures. The appropriate cell inoculum size for the best cell growth was 0.75 g of cells in 20 ml culture medium. Cell suspension culture using MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D promoted the best cell growth with maximum biomass of 8.609 g fresh weight and 0.309 g dry weight 24 days after inoculation. Cells that grew in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D reached the stationary growth phase in 15 days as compared to the cells that grew in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D + 1.0 mg l^–1 NAA reached the stationary phase in 24 days. MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D was considered as the maintenance medium for maintaining the optimum cell growth of O. stamineus in the cell suspension cultures with 2-week interval subculture.     

Somatic embryogenesis in Encephalartos cycadifolius

Callus cultures of Encephalartos cycadifolius were established from zygotic embryo explants on a modified B5 medium containing 1 mg l^–1 2,4-D and 1 mg l^–1 kinetin. Callus was transferred to media containing various combinations of 2,4-D and kinetin for improvement of somatic embryogenesis. Somatic embryos were produced on media with several growth regulator combinations. The somatic embryos developed from proembryos, which developed long suspensors. A dicotyledonary embryo formed at the distal end of the suspensor. The embryos turned green in light. When transferred to a medium containing 1 mg l^–1 ABA the somatic embryos matured. The suspensors desiccated and these embryos rooted when transferred to a medium without phytohormones.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from callus cultures of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall

Plants were obtained via somatic embryogenesis in callus derived from in vitro raised leaf and petiole explants of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Callus was induced on a Murashige-Skoog medium supplemented with either 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-d 1 mg l^-1) and kinetin (KN 0.5 mg l^-1) with coconut water (CW 10% v/v) or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA 5 mg l^-1) and benzylaminopurine (BAP 1 mg l^-1). Somatic embryos appeared after 2–3 months or 2 subculture passages when 2,4-d or NAA induced source of the callus was transferred to a MS medium containing BAP (1 mg l^-1) and NAA (0.1 mg l^-1). For successful plantlet formation, the somatic embryos were transferred to a medium containing 1/4 strength MS nutrient with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA 1 mg l^-1). Alternatively, the somatic embryos were dipped in a concentrated solution of IBA for 5 min and placed on a hormone free medium. Complete plantlets were formed after 4 weeks and were transferred successfully to soil.CIMAP Publication No. 1020.     

Changes of 6-benzylaminopurine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid concentrations in plant tissue culture media in the presence of activated charcoal

Somatic embryos and embryogenic callus were initiated from immature zygotic embryos of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). These somatic embryos were multiplied by adventitious (secondary and tertiary) embryogenesis and their growth and development were dependent on growth hormones in the medium. Auxins, 2,4-d, NAA, and IAA at 1.0 mg l^-1 were effective in inducing secondary and tertiary somatic embryos, which proliferated directly from the apical or cotyledonary portions of the primary somatic embryos. Single somatic embryos or clusters or embryos developed from the explanted primary embryos. Cytokinin (Kn, BA) inhibited adventitious embryogenesis. Secondary somatic embryos developed to maturation and later regenerated into plantlets in two stage process; firstly elongation of the shoot axes on MS +1.0 mg l^-1 Kn, secondly formation of root on 1.0 mg l^-1 Kn+1.0 mg^-1 GA₃ medium.Abbreviations 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA in-doleacetic acid - Kn kinetin - BA benzylaminopurine - PSE primary somatic embryo - SSE secondary somatic embryo - TSE tertiary somatic embryo     

Plant regeneration from stem and petiole protoplasts of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and its wild relative,I. lacunosa

A protoplast-to-plant regeneration system has been established for sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) and its wild relative, I. lacunosa L. Viable protoplasts, isolated from preplasmolyzed stems and petioles of in vitro-grown plants, were cultured on liquid MS (Murashige & Skoog 1962) medium that supported cell division and colony formation. Embryogenic calli of sweet potato were induced on agar-solidified MS medium supplemented with 3% (w/v) sucrose, 50 mg l^-1 casamino acids, 0.2–0.5 mg l^-1 2,4-d, 1.0 mg l^-1 kinetin and 1.0 mg l^-1 ABA. On average, 3 plants were regenerated from a single sweet potato callus subcultured on semi-solid MS medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, 800 mg l^-1 glutamine, 2.0 mg l^-1 BA or 1.0 mg l^-1 kinetin and 1.0 mg l^-1 GA₃. Embryogenic calli of I. lacunosa L. were initiated on semi-solid MS medium containing 0.2–0.5 mg l^-1 IAA and 1.0–2.0 mg l^-1 BA. An average of 5 plants was regenerated from a single sweet potato callus subcultured on semi-solid MS medium containing 0.5 or 1.0 mg l^-1 GA₃.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - BA benzyladenine - 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid - IAA indole acetic acid - MES 2-(N-morpholino)-ethane sulfonic acid - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis in asparagus: the role of explants and growth regulators

Summary The explant used to initiate embryogenic callus and the growth regulators used in subsequent induction (IM) and embryo development media (EDM) both influenced rate of somatic embryo development and conversion to plantlets in asparagus. Embryogenic callus derived from spear-cross sections (SS), in vitro crowns (IVC) and lateral buds (LB) was cultured on IM of MS salts and vitamins with 2, 4-D or NAA at 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 mg/l and kinetin at 0, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 mg/l. The auxin 2,4-D at 1–10 mg/l, in combination with kinetin at 0–1 mg/l, in IM induced the highest frequency of embryos after four weeks; callus derived from SS, IVC and LB had means of 394, 382, and 344 small globular embryos, and 4, 11 and 9 bipolar embryos per gram of callus, respectively. After 6 weeks on EDM, 128, 116 and 51 bipolar embryos (4–7 mm in length) occurred per gram callus and 4.5, 1.4 and 2.1 embryos converted for IVC, SS and LB, respectively. NAA at 1–10 mg/l, in combinations with kinetin 0–1 mg/l, yielded means of 64, 175 and 225 small globular embryos per gram callus on IM for SS, IVC and LB, respectively. NAA promoted a higher rate of embryo development: means of 27, 54 and 91 bipolar embryos per gram callus for SS, LB and IVC, respectively, on EDM. There were 0.5, 9.4 and 11.9 plantlets from these respective callus sources. There was no difference between kinetin levels of 0–1 mg/l on callus growth and embryogenesis, whereas, 10 mg/l in IM was inhibitory.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - EDM embryo development medium - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IM induction media - IVC in vitro crowns - LB lateral bud - LS Linsmaier and Skoog (1965) - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - SS spear-cross section     

Influence of auxins on organogenesis and ginsenoside production in Panax ginseng calluses

Panax ginseng calluses were cultured for 5 weeks on solid MS medium supplemented with kinetin 0.46 mM (0.1 mg l^–1) and 2 mg l^–1 of 2,4-D (9.05 mM), IBA (9.98 mM) or NAA (10.74 mM). In the conditions studied, 2,4-D inhibited the organogenic capacity of the calluses, whereas IBA or NAA increased this capacity. IBA induced the formation of a high number of buds and roots, but the roots were thin and necrotized. Calluses grown with NAA produced fewer buds and roots than those grown in IBA medium, but the roots were thick and showed good growth. The highest ginsenoside content was found in root forming calluses grown in the presence of NAA.In calluses forming roots or buds, 2,4-D, NAA and especially IBA increased the Rb group of ginsenosides rather than that of the Rg group.     

Studies of protoplast culture types and plant regeneration from callusderived protoplasts of Asparagus officinalis L. cv. Lucullus 234

Plating efficiency and colony formation of callus-derived protoplasts of Asparagus officinalis L. cv. Lucullus 234 differed significantly with different protoplast culture media and types of culture. Osmotic conditions and hormone concentrations of liquid media produced the greatest influence on plating efficiency and colony formation in bead culture. Protoplasts grew best in bead culture with a solid modified Kao & Michayluk protoplast culture medium (KM) supplemented with 0.5 mg l^–1 -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 0.5 mg l^–1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.5 mg l^–1 kinetin, and 0.6% agarose (KM6) and a liquid modified KM medium differing from KM6 medium in sugar content, having 0.18 M sucrose and 0.18 M mannitol (A8). An average plating efficiency of 19.1% and colony formation of 15.5% was obtained one week after isolation in bead culture with the KM6 and A8 media. The highest average shoot regeneration of 92.3% was obtained with a Murashige & Skoog medium (MS) containing 0.125 mg l^–1 NAA, 0.125 mg l^–1 2,4-D, 0.25 mg l^–1 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and 3% sucrose. Plants have been regenerated and transferred to the greenhouse.Abbreviations NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - 6-BAP 6-benzylaminopurine     

Induction of haploids in Populus maximowiczii via embryogenic callus

Anthers of Populus maximowiczii with microspores at the mononucleate stage were cultured at 20°C in the dark on agar-solidified Murashige and Skoog medium after 4 days of cold treatment (4°C). After 4 to 8 weeks anthers on medium supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg l^-1 2,4-D in combination with 0.1 mg l^-1 kinetin developed calli that were characterized by smooth surface and gel-like consistency. These calli were comprised of expanding microspores surrounded by a mucilaginous matrix. After transfer of anthers with embryogenic calli to MS medium with low hormone levels (NAA at 0, 0.1 and 0.1 mg l^-1 and BA at 0, 0.1 and 1.0 mg l^-1) microspores started to divide and initiated independent meristematic nests, which developed into embryoidal structures, resembling globular to bi-polar heart-shaped embryoids. The embryoids germinated precociously without developing cotyledons. After transfer to medium with a range of levels of BA (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg l^-1), adventitious shoots developed mainly from the roots. Shoots were rooted in half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.025 mg l^-1 NAA. Via this pathway anther response in the best treatment combination was 10%.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - MS Murashige & Skoog - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D-2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Regeneration of bulblets from twin scales ofCrinum macowanii in vitro

Tissue culture techniques were applied to study the regeneration and growth of bulblets from bulb scale segments ofCrinum macowanii Bak. (bush- or march lily)in vitro. Shoots were induced on twin scales taken from the basal plate region of flowering-size bulbs on Murashige and Skoog (MS)-medium containing 0–20 mg l^–1 NAA and BA and a modified MS medium (MMS medium) containing 1.25 mg l^–1 ancymidol (A-Rest^TM), 0.1 mg l^–1 NAA and 0.1 mg l^–1 kinetin (ANK). Large bulblets could only be initiated on the latter. Subsequently the bulblets of 5 mm or more in diameter were trimmed and split in half, and secondary plantlets were regenerated on MMS-medium containing ANK or MS-medium without any growth regulators which in turn grew into bulblets suitable for splitting within 12–16 weeks. A total of 700–1000 bulblets could be obtained from each initial bulb within 12 months. Anatomical studies showed that the shoots were initiated from the epidermis and hypodermis on the abaxial surface of the meristematic tissue of the basal plate of the bulb scale. This technique is useful for the multiplication and preservation of a genotype, since plantlets regenerated in this manner should be genetically uniform.     

In vitro induction of pollen embryos and plantlets in Aesculus carnea Hayne through anther culture

Uninuclear microspores in red horse chestnut anther cultures formed pollen embryos and plantlents in MS agar medium supplemented with varying 2,4-D concentrations (1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mg l^-1) and 1.0 mg l^-1 Kin. The highest number of embryogenic anthers (38%) was obtained in MS medium containing 1.0 mg l^-1 of each 2,4-D and Kin. The ability of pollen embryos to germinate was closely correlated with normal embryo morphology and was influenced by hormone content in the medium (MS+;1.0 mg l^-1 IAA+1.0 mg l^-1 GA₃+0.1 mg l^-1 Kin+400 mg l^-1 glutamine). Pollen embryos and plantlets had the haploid chromosome number (x=n=40). Cytological examinations demonstrated pollen dimorphism of this Aesculus species.Abbreviations AC activated charcoal - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - Kin 6-furfurylaminopurine - GA₃ gibberellic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog     

In vitro somatic embryogenesis from cell suspension cultures of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

We report, an efficient protocol for plantlet regeneration from the cell suspension cultures of cowpea through somatic embryogenesis. Primary leaf-derived, embryogenic calli initiated in MMS [MS salts (Murashige and Skoog 1962) with B5 (Gamborg et al. 1968) vitamins] medium containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), casein hydrolysate (CH), and l-Glutamic acid-5-amide (Gln). Fast-growing embryogenic cell suspensions were established in 0.5 mg l^–1 2,4-D, which resulted in the highest recovery of early stages of somatic embryos in liquid MMS medium. Embryo development was asynchronous and strongly influenced by the 2,4-D concentration. Mature monocotyledonary-stage somatic embryos were induced in liquid B5 medium containing 0.1 mg l^–1 2,4-D, 20 mg l^–1 l-Proline (Pro), 5 M Abscisic acid (ABA), and 2% mannitol. B5 medium was found superior for the maturation of somatic embryos compared to MS and MMS media. The importance of duration (5 d) for effective maturation of somatic embryos is demonstrated. A reduction in the 2,4-D level in suspensions increased the somatic embryo induction and maturation with decreased abnormalities. Sucrose was found to be the best carbon source for callus induction while mannitol for embryo maturation and maltose for embryo germination. Extension of hypocotyls and complete development of plantlet was achieved in half-strength B5 medium supplemented with 3% maltose, 2500 mg l^–1 potassium nitrate, and 0.05 mg l^–1 thidiazuron (TDZ) with 32% regeneration frequency. Field-established plants were morphologically normal and fertile. This regeneration protocol assures a high frequency of embryo induction, maturation, and plantlet conversion.