High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in zygotic embryo cultures of Japanese honeysuckle

Japanese honeysuckle plant (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is rich in iridoid secologanin and is a potentially useful model for the study of secologanin biosynthesis. Culture conditions for high frequency plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryo cultures and zygotic embryo-derived embryogenic cell suspension cultures of this species are described. Mature zygotic embryos formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 46.7% when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.52 M 2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Cell suspension cultures were established with embryogenic calluses using liquid MS medium with 4.52 M 2,4-D. Upon plating onto MS basal medium, embryogenic cell suspension cultures produced numerous somatic embryos, which subsequently developed into plantlets at a frequency of 68%. Regenerated plantlets were transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a greenhouse.     

Composition of embryogenic suspension cultures of Ipomoea batatas Poir. and production of individualized embryos

Embryogenic suspension cultures of Ipomoea batatas Poir. contain heterogeneous populations of discrete cellular units. In order to optimize embryo production, a study was conducted to identify the embryogenic fraction of such cultures. Suspension cultures were fractionated with sieves of 1000, 710, 500, 355, 250, 180, 125, 90 and 63m mesh openings and the composition of each fraction was determined. Cellular units larger than 355 m were primarily calli and made up 75% of the total mass of cultures in the stationary phase of growth. These calli were composed of embryogenic and non-embryogenic subunits, and 98% of the embryogenic subunits measured 355–1000 m. Calli and embryogenic calli subunits produced clusters of embryos at various stages of development upon transfer to liquid or solidified media without 2,4-D. The 125–355 m fraction of suspension cultures was composed of cell aggregates of which 20% were embryogenic. The embryogenic cell aggregates produced single globular embryos upon transfer to liquid media containing 0 or 1 M 2,4-D. The 63–125 m fraction of suspension cultures contained only 2% of embryogenic cell aggregates. It can be inferred from our results that the embryogenic fraction of cultures was essentially represented in calli, and that proliferation of the embryogenic fraction occurred through the separation of embryogenic cell aggregates from larger calli when cultures approached their stationary growth phase.Abbreviations and definitions cellular units single cells, cell aggregates, and calli - cell aggregates discrete associations of cells - calli association of cell aggregates - embryogenic cell aggregates yellow aggregates of cytoplasmic cells which have the potential to produce embryogenic calli or embryos [3] - non-embryogenic cell aggregates white aggregates of vacuolated cells [3] - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indoleacetic acid     

Establishment of oil palm cell suspensions and plant regeneration

Primary globular callus from immature zygotic embryos and friable embryogenic tissue derived from mature zygotic embryos were used to establish suspension cultures. Callus cultures were established either on modified Y3 or MS medium containing 475–500 M 2,4-D or 250 M picloram and 0.3% (w/v) activated charcoal. Suspension cultures of both cell lines were established in modified Y3 medium containing 10 M 2,4-D. The establishment of cell suspensions from friable embryogenic tissue took only 2 months, in contrast with suspensions from primary globular callus which took 3–5 months to establish. Embryo differentiation was observed only in cell suspensions derived from the friable embryogenic tissue after plating aliquots on regeneration medium. Germinated embryos were recovered and plantlets were successfully established under greenhouse conditions.Abbreviations CET compact embryogenic tissue - FET friable embryogenic tissue - CIM callus induction medium - PGC primary globular callus - 2,3-D 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid Y3-Eeuwens' medium - MS Murashige & Skoog medium - PVP-40 polyvinylpyrrolidone - KM Kao & Michayluk vitamins - ABA abscisic acid     

Selective enhancement of Ipomoea batatas Poir. embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus growth and production of embryos in liquid culture

Embryogenic callus cultures of Ipomoea batatas Poir. produce fast growing non-embryogenic material which soon dominates the cultures. Our objective was to selectively enhance the proliferation of the embryogenic fraction. For this, the effect of BAP and 2,4-D concentrations on growth of embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus were studied and consequently, nutrient media for the production and indefinite maintenance of embryogenic callus without embryo formation were defined. Selective proliferation of embryogenic callus was obtained on solid media with 10 M 2,4-D and 1 M BAP and in liquid media with 5 M 2,4-D. Selective proliferation of non-embryogenic callus occurred in liquid medium with 1 M 2,4-D. In embryogenic liquid culture, embryos were produced with 0–2 M 2,4-D. Increasing 2,4-D concentration from 0 to 2 M in these cultures restricted embryo development.Abbreviations 2,4-D = 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP = 6-benzylaminopurine     

Control of direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis by exogenous growth regulators in immature zygotic embryo cultures of rose

Immature zygotic embryos of rose (Rosa hybrida L.; cv. Sumpath) did not form somatic embryos or embryogenic calluses when cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with various con-centrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as the sole growth regulator. However, the zygotic embryos produced somatic embryos without an intervening callus phase at a frequency of 27.3% on medium with 4.44 M 6-benzyladenine (BA) alone. Immature zygotic embryos formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 25% on medium with a combination of 1.36 M 2,4-D and 4.44 M BA. Upon transfer to medium without growth regulators, embryogenic calluses produced numerous somatic embryos that subsequently developed into plantlets. Somatic embryos were induced directly from immature zygotic embryos, or indirectly via an intervening callus phase, by manipulating the exogenous growth regulators. Plantlets were successfully transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a greenhouse.     

Plant regeneration from embryogenic suspension cultures of Musa acuminata cv. Mas (AA)

Embryogenic callus was established using immature male flower of Musa acuminata cv. Mas. After 5–6 months of culture, embryogenic callus was obtained at 21.75±11.9 from 750 immature male flower clusters with translucent somatic embryos proliferated from the whitish friable callus. It was observed that flower clusters ranging from 4 to 11 responded to form embryogenic callus and out of which 3–10 somatic embryos were formed per flower cluster. Embryogenic callus were obtained at a percentage of 10.00±0.3 on M1 medium initially supplemented with 18 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for 3 months and subsequently transferred to the same media with reduced 2,4-D (9 M) for the next 2–3 months. Embryos developed into translucent spheres and slightly torpedo shaped embryos in suspension cultures. Plantlets were obtained on medium M4 supplemented with 0.8M BA, at an average regeneration rate of 13.00±0.58.     

Organogenesis versus embryogenesis from long-term suspension cultures of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Suspension cultures were initiated from leaf explant-derived callus of cucumber,Cucumis sativus cv. Hokus, and maintained under two different conditions; (I) continuously in medium with 5 M 2,4-D + 5 M BA, and (II) alternately three cultures in medium containing 5 M NAA + 5 M BA and one culture in 5 M 2,4-D + 5 M BA. After plating on solid medium with 0.5 M KIN + 0.1 M IAA, suspension aggregates from long-term culture in medium with 2,4-D developed into callus, and subsequently formed somatic embryos. These embryos, however, hardly developed into plants. They showed growth arrest and several structural abnormalities. In contrast, organogenesis took place when suspension aggregates from NAA containing medium were plated on solid medium with 0.5 M KIN + 0.1 M IAA. Numerous adventitious buds were regenerated, which quite normally developed into plants. Sucrose at low concentration of 1% improved plant formation. On the average thirty complete plants were obtained from each ml of suspension. It is discussed why adventitious buds develop into plants so well, whereas somatic embryos are prone to growth arrest and abnormal development.Abbreviations BA 6-benzylaminopurine - KIN kinetin - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Stepwise decrease of 2,4-D and addition of BA in subculture medium stimulated shoot regeneration and somatic embryogenesis in buffalograss

Plant regeneration of buffalograss `Texoka' was achieved through both somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis by culturing immature male inflorescences collected from field-grown plants. Three passages of subculture for calluses derived from male `Texoka' on medium containing 2.25, 4.5, or 9 M 2,4-D combined with either 0.44 M or 1.32 M BA led to shoot formation via organogenesis. Higher concentrations of 2,4-D (4.5 or 9 M) resulted in higher percentages of embryogenic callus while 2,4-D at 2.25 M generated shoot-producing callus but with a lower percentage of embryogenic callus. Transfer of calluses from medium containing 4.5 M 2,4-D and 0.44 M BA to the somatic embryo initiation medium containing 0.9 M 2,4-D gelled with either 7 g 1^–1 agar or 3 g 1^–1 Gelrite led to the formation of somatic embryos. Somatic embryo initiation medium gelled with 3 g 1^–1 Gelrite led to significantly higher frequency of somatic embryo formation than in medium gelled with 7 g 1^–1 agar. Callus of a female genotype `315' generated under similar treatments did not produce shoots or somatic embryos.     

Relationship between peroxidase activity and organogenesis in Panax ginseng calluses

The changes of redox status during culture and their effect on organogenesis were investigated in ginseng callus cultures. Three kinds of Panax ginseng calluses (non-organogenic calluses, root-forming and bud-forming calli) 21 were obtained from each of the three examined auxins (2,4-D, IBA and NAA) at 2 mg l^–1 (9.05 M 2,4-D; 9.84 M IBA; 10.74 M NAA) concentration and 0.1 mg l^–1 (0.46 M) kinetin over 5 weeks. Peroxidase in the soluble fraction, which indicates oxidative status and shows a correlation with differentiation, was higher in bud-forming calluses cultured in the three types of auxins. On the other hand, reducing capacity (overall reducing capacity of glutathione, ascorbic acid, tocoferol, carotenoids and phenol) which indicates reductive status, was higher when these calluses grew on media containing 2,4-D but specially so in the case of non-organogenic calluses. With the three types of auxin used, the reducing capacity was always higher in non-organogenic calluses and lower in calluses with more organogenic capacity. It seems that organogenesis of calluses is conditioned by a high peroxidase activity in soluble fraction (equal to or more than 0.8 A430/mg protein per min) and therefore a low reducing capacity (less than 0.3 A760/g DW). On the other hand 2,4-D promotes proliferation whereas NAA promotes morphogenesis.     

Plant regeneration from embryo-derived callus of oil palm – the effect of exogenous polyamines

Regeneration in oil palm was achieved through somatic embryogenesis/organogenesis from embryo-derived callus. Callus was induced from mature embryos of the cross 281 (D)×18 (P) on modified MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (113.12 M) and 2-iP (14.76 M). The embryogenic calluses obtained were transferred to Blaydes medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.045 M) and one of the following growth regulators: TDZ (4.54 M), zeatin riboside (2.85 M), putrescine (1 mM) and spermine (100 M). Secondary somatic embryogenesis was found to occur in media supplemented with polyamines. The efficiency of formation of somatic embryos, secondary somatic embryos and shoot meristemoids were significantly higher in putrescine containing medium. Histological studies were also undertaken.     

Developmental aspects of long-term callus culture ofVicia faba L.

Summary Vicia faba callus line (VFS 1), isolated from expiants of immature embryo, grew satisfactorily onMurashige andSkoog complete medium with 1.38 M 2,4-D, or with 0.92 M 2,4-D to which 1.0 M kinetin was added. It also grew well on the B 5 modified medium containing 2.3 M 2,4-D and 25.0 M kinetin. On the last of these media the cultures grew more uniformly and without necrosis. They also showed diminishing variation in polyploidy in favour of diploids and corresponding aneuploids (hypodiploids).After being cultured for nearly three years on MS containing 1.38 M 2,4-D, 8–33% of cultures of VFS 1 were able to regenerate roots when transferred to either MS half strength with 5.37 M NAA, or to a medium without 2,4-D, or else to media with the addition of kinetin only (in various concentrations).     

Regeneration from long-term cell suspension cultures of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius)

Plant regeneration has been achieved from long-term cell suspension cultures established from leaf derived callus of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius). The proportion of densely cytoplasmic cells in suspension culture increased when cultured in the L-6 medium with 54 M NAA and 2 M KN. Filtration of the cells at each of five consecutive subcultures resulted in the isolation of a plant regenerating cell line (TB 686), which is being maintained in L-6 medium with 4.5 M 2,4-D and 2.3 M zeatin. Differentiated green cell aggregates were obtained when cells from maintenance medium were transferred to the same medium with 10 M BA. Embryo-like structures developed from these aggregates on L-6 medium with 2.3 M zeatin, 0.69 M GA₃ and 1.5 M NAA. Plantlets regenerated from these structures when they were cultured on L-6 medium with 7.0 M NAA and 1.0 M KN. Plant regeneration from the cell line remained relatively constant for 270 days. Regenerated plants were grown to maturity in the greenhouse.Abbreviations BA Benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ Gibberellic acid - IPA Isopentenyladenine - KN Kinetin - NAA Naphthaleneacetic acid - AA Amino acid medium (Toriyama and Hinita, 1985) The research was sponsored by United States Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., Cooperative Agreement DAN-4137-A-00-4053-00     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in wild cotton (Gossypium klotzschianum)

A simple and efficient method for high frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from hypocotyl-derived cultures and suspension cultures of Gossypium klotzschianum Anderss, a wild, diploid species of cotton is described here. Embryogenic cultures were induced from hypocotyl sections on MSB medium with 0.9 M 2,4-D and 2.32 M kinetin. MSB medium containing 0.045 M 2,4-D, 0.93 M kinetin, 2.46 M IBA promoted embryogenic culture proliferation and embryo development. Suspension cultures with 0.23 M 2,4-D and 0.93 M kinetin also produced many embryos. Somatic embryos cultured on MSB medium with PGRs produced secondary embryos, and embryos developed into normal plantlets on PGR-free MSB medium. Regenerated plantlets were transferred onto the quarter-strength MSB medium with 0.5% active charcoal to avoid recallusing. Hypocotyls were better than cotyledons for culture induction and plant regeneration. 2,4-D and kinetin were essential for culture induction and maintenance.     

Plant regeneration from cell suspension cultures of Vigna aconitifolia

Plant regeneration has been achieved routinely from established cell suspension culture lines of Vigna aconitifolia (moth bean), a highly drought tolerant grain legume. The cultures originated from three-week-old leaf callus. Several media including MS, B₅, AA, SL, PCM, SH and L-6 were tested for their effects on cell growth. Maximum growth was observed in L-6 medium containing 44.5 M 2,4-D. After 6 to 8 weeks the suspensions were filtered through 500, 250, 125 and 60 m sieves, respectively, for four to five subcultures. An embryogenic cell line (VA-686) was obtained from the cell fraction collected below 250 m. The VA-686 cell line is being maintained on L-6 medium with 4.5 M 2,4-D and 2.3 M Zeatin. Somatic embryogenesis was induced by transferring the cells to L-6 medium with 4.6 M zeatin in which green cell clusters were produced. The somatic embryos developed from most of the cell clusters when plated on L-6 agar medium with 2.3 M BA.Plantlets were obtained from the embryos on L-6 medium with 10.0 M IBA. The regenerated plants were grown to maturity in the greenhouse.Abbreviations BA Benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ Gibberellic acid - IBA Indole-3-butyric acid - IPA Isopentenyladenine - KN Kinetin - NAA Napthaleneacetic acid - AA Toriyama and Hinata, 1985 - SL Phillips and Collin, 1980 A project sponsored by United States Agency for International Development, Washington D.C.     

Factors affecting the establishment and maintenance of embryogenic callus and suspension cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Improved suspension cell culture systems are needed to facilitate the application of recombinant DNA technology for wheat germplasm enhancement. This study evaluated three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, and the effects of medium basal salts, 2,4-D, sucrose, and L-proline concentrations on the establishment of rapidly growing and highly embryogenic callus and suspension cultures. Percent embryogenic calli was visually estimated and verified with light and scanning electron microscopy. The most highly embryogenic callus was produced by cultivar Bobwhite on medium with MS basal salts, 5.6 M 2,4-D, 58 mM sucrose, and zero proline. The suspension cultures that produced the greatest number of regenerated plants utilized callus tissue produced on solid medium with MS basal salts, 87 mM sucrose, 9 M 2,4-D, and no proline.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog medium (1962) - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - NAA napthaleneacetic acid; RG, relative growth - %EC percent embryogenic calli - RV Redway and Vasil medium (1990a) - DPA days postanthesis     

Artemisia annua L.: dedifferentiated and differentiated cultures

Dedifferentiated and differentiated tissue cultures ofArtemisia annua L. for artemisinin production were carried out. The calluses were initiated on MS medium supplemented with sucrose (30 g l^-1), myoinositol (100 mg l^-1) and RT vitamins. The auxins used were naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA), indoleacetic acid (IAA), indolebutyric acid (IBA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d). These were added to the basal medium either singly or in combination. The best results were obtained with 2.4-d (4.5 M : 0.02 d^-1) and NAA (5.4 M : 0.06 d^-1). Cell suspensions were established on the same media without agar. Suspension cultures showed different morphological characteristics according to the plant growth regulator supplied. Organized cultures were initiated from callus obtained on 2,4-d (4.5 M) and from bud cultures. Medium containing 6-benzylaminepurine (BA) (8.9 M)+NAA (0.54 M); Zeatin (45.62 M)+NAA (5.37 M) or BA (8.9 M) stimulated both organogenesis in callus (frequency of induction =50%) and semi-organized tissue in shoot buds. BA (13.32 M)+NAA (1.08 M) or BA (13.32 M) only stimulated multiple shoot cultures (frequency of induction =80%). Regarding artemisinin content, while the values obtained were 1.13 and 0.78 mg gDW^-1 in primary callus, artemisinin was not detected in cell suspension and only traces of it were found in multiple shoot cultures.     

Somatic embryogenesis in callus cultures of Rosa hybrida L. cv. Landora

Callus was initiated from immature leaf and stem segments of rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Landora) and subcultured every four weeks on a basal medium of half-strength Murashige & Skoog (1962) salts plus 30 g l^-1 sucrose (1/2 MS) and supplemented with 2.2 M BA, 5.4 M NAA and 2.2–9.0 M 2,4-D. Embryogenic callus and subsequently somatic embryos were obtained from 8-week-old callus culture on 1/2 MS+2.2 M BA+0.05 M NAA+0.3 M GA₃+200–800 mg l^-1 L-proline. Long-term cultures were established and maintained for up to 16 months by repeated subculture of embryogenic callus on L-proline deficient medium. About 12% of cotyledonary stage embryos taken from cultures cold-stored at 8±1°C for 4 days germinated on 1/2 MS+2.2 M BA+0.3 M GA₃+24.7 M adenine sulphate.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid     

Tissue culture and micropropagation of Cuphea ericoides,a potential source of medium-chain fatty acids

Plant rgeneration occurred on leaf-and stem-derived callus of Cuphea ericoides Cham. & Schlechtd obtained in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with auxins [indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d)] plus cytokinins [6-benzyladenine (BA) or kinetin]. These calluses were subcultured and showed vigorous growth. When subcultured on medium containing 2.22 or 4.44 M BA, the calluses showed profuse regeneration of shoots whereas those subcultured on medium supplemented with 2.69 M NAA or 0.226 M 2,4-d produced numerous roots. Isolated shoots rooted on Murashige and Skoog medium lacking growth regulators or containing 0.54 M NAA or 0.49 M indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets were acclimatized to greenhouse conditions.Abbreviations BA 6-benzyladenine - 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - MS Murashige & Skoog medium - NAA 1--naphthaleneacetic acid     

Effect of thidiazuron on somatic embryogenesis of Cayratia japonica

Unpollinated ovary explants of Cayratia japonica (Thump.) Gagnep, were cultured on the revised Murashige & Skoog's medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d) alone, or in combination with 0.009 M thidiazuron (TDZ) or 0.23 M kinetin for induction of embryogenic callus. The best results were obtained on medium containing 2.3 – 4.6 M 2,4-d and TDZ. When the calluses were subcultured on the basal medium (BM), somatic embryogenesis took place spontaneously at surfaces of the calluses, but only about 5% of the somatic embryos could develop to cotyledonary stage and most of the rest remained at the globular stage of development. If the calluses were transferred onto medium containing TDZ or TDZ combined with 0.27 M -napthaleneacetic acid, the number of cotyledonary somatic embryos increased up to 25%. When the somatic embryos of different stages were transferred onto fresh BM, only the cotyledonary embryos could convert into the plantlets. The results revealed that for the induction of embryogenic callus and somatic embryogenesis of Cayratia japonica, both cytokinin and auxin are required in the medium and the cytokinin activity of TDZ is much stronger than that of kinetin even when the concentration of TDZ used was only 4% of kinetin.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - PGR plant growth regulator - TDZ thidiazuron (N-phenyl-1,2,3,-thi-diazol-5-ylurea)     

Effect of thidiazuron on vegetative tissue-derived somatic embryogenesis and flowering of bamboo Bambusa edulis

Current research on somatic embryogenesis of bamboo uses reproductive tissue as explants. However, it was hard to obtain the explant. Shoots of a local accession (3–4 m high) were used for multiple shoot production. In order to obtain embryogenic callus, nodal and internodal tissues from in vitro plantlets were placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 9.2 M kinetin (KN), 13.6 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.1% (v/v) coconut milk, and 6% (w/v) sucrose. We studied the effects of sucrose and thidiazuron (TDZ) on callus proliferation. Optimal additives to the MS medium for embryogenic callus proliferation were 0.046 M TDZ, 13.6 M 2,4-D and 3% (w/v) sucrose. TDZ also promoted the germination of bamboo somatic embryos. The germination rate of the somatic embryos exceeded 80% on MS-based medium supplemented with 0.455M TDZ. Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) reduced germination. Well-developed plantlets were successfully transferred to soil. There was no albino mutant in subsequent culture. In vitro regenerants and potted plants flowered, but no seeds were produced.