Efficient somatic embryogenesis in sugar beet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Beta vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) breeding lines

Efficient regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE) would be a valuable system for the micropropagation and genetic transformation of sugar beet. This study evaluated the effects of basic culture media (MS and PGo), plant growth regulators, sugars and the starting plant material on somatic embryogenesis in nine sugar beet breeding lines. Somatic embryos were induced from seedlings of several genotypes via an intervening callus phase on PGo medium containing N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Calli were mainly induced from cotyledons. Maltose was more effective for the induction of somatic embryogenesis than was sucrose. There were significant differences between genotypes. HB 526 and SDM 3, which produced embryogenic calli at frequencies of 25–50%, performed better than SDM 2, 8, 9 and 11. The embryogenic calli and embryos produced by this method were multiplied by repeated subculture. Histological analysis of embryogenic callus cultures indicated that somatic embryos were derived from single- or a small number of cells. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was ineffective for the induction of somatic embryogenesis from seedlings but induced direct somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos (IEs). Somatic embryos were mainly initiated from hypocotyls derived from the cultured IEs in line HB 526. Rapid and efficient regeneration of plants via somatic embryogenesis may provide a system for studying the molecular mechanism of SE and a route for the genetic transformation of sugar beet.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration through cell suspension in diploid (AB) banana cultivar Elakki Bale (syn Neypoovan)

An efficient protocol was developed using cell suspensions for somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in a most popular diploid AB banana (M.accuminata X M.bulbisiana hybrid) cv. Elakki Bale (syn Neypoovan) known for its taste and keeping quality in southern India. Floral primodia from position 8–16 of male inflorescence which were more responsive for embryogenesis were used as explants for the embryogenic callus production in MS media supplemented with different concentration of 2,4-D. A concentration of 18.1 μM 2, 4-D produced maximum embryogenic calli in 1 % of the explants inoculated. Embryogenic calli on repeated sub culturing on MA2 media produced good embryogenic cell suspensions (ECS). Microscopic examination of ECS showed globular, smaller with dense cytoplasm filled with starchy granules characteristic of embryogenic cells. Highest number of somatic embryos (189) was produced on modified MA3 media. A germination percentage of 31 % were observed in BAP 22.19 μM concentration. Regenerated plants with normal shoot and root were hardened in soilrite. Direct somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration was also noticed in embryogenic calli which did not pass through the ECS stage. The protocol optimized for somatic embryogenesis through cell suspension and also direct embryogenesis leading to plantlet regeneration can be used for the micropropagation and genetic manipulation.     

In vitro plant regeneration of Aster scaber via somatic embryogenesis

We established an in vitro plant regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis of Aster scaber, an important source of various biologically active phytochemicals. We examined the callus induction and embryogenic capacities of three explants, including leaves, petioles, and roots, on 25 different media containing different combinations of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). The optimum concentrations of NAA and BA for the production of embryogenic calli were 5.0 μM and 0.05 μM, respectively. Media containing higher concentrations of auxin and cytokinin (such as 25 μM NAA and 25 μM BA) were suitable for shoot regeneration, especially for leaf-derived calli, which are the most readily available calli and are highly competent. For root induction from regenerated shoots, supplemental auxin and/or cytokinin did not improve rooting, but instead caused unwanted callus induction or retarded growth of regenerated plants. Therefore, plant growth regulator-free medium was preferable for root induction. Normal plants were successfully obtained from calli under the optimized conditions described above. This is the first report of the complete process of in vitro plant regeneration of A. scaber via somatic embryogenesis.     

华山松胚性愈伤组织诱导与幼胚离体培养

探索华山松(Pinus armandii)体细胞胚胎发生技术对其实施规模化无性繁殖和开展遗传转化具有重要意义。本文以1/2LM为基本培养基, 通过激素调节等措施对华山松的胚性愈伤组织诱导和幼胚的离体培养技术进行了初步研究。研究结果: 胚性愈伤组织诱导率最高可达52.71%, 但愈伤组织继代培养后没有体细胞胚胎的分化; 首次从其子叶期的幼胚中直接诱导出具有根和茎的完整植株, 诱导率达92%以上。文章确认了采集的幼胚发育状态对胚性愈伤组织的诱导有重要影响, 并对诱导的培养条件等进行了探讨。     

尾巨桉胚状体诱导及愈伤组织差异研究

以尾巨桉优良无性系无菌苗茎段为外植体,通过对多种不同浓度生长调节剂组合的优化,进行胚状体诱导研究;并对胚性与非胚性愈伤组织进行形态解剖学观察、相关生理指标检测以及相关基因荧光定量PCR分析,以揭示尾巨桉胚性愈伤组织非胚性化发生的机理,为建立尾巨桉体细胞胚胎再生体系提供参考。结果表明:(1)胚性愈伤组织在MS+0.1mg/L NAA+0.01mg/L TDZ培养基中诱导得到胚状体,外植体经过0.5mol/L蔗糖处理12h有助于胚性愈伤组织产生胚状体,胚状体最高发生率为16.7%。(2)尾巨桉胚性与非胚性愈伤组织石蜡切片观察发现,两者的细胞形态特征存在明显的差异,胚性愈伤组织细胞体积小,排列紧密,表现出典型的胚性细胞特征,而非胚性细胞比较大,排列疏松,细胞呈不规则形状。(3)生理生化指标检测结果表明,非胚性愈伤组织中蛋白质含量、SOD、PPO及CAT活性均显著低于胚性愈伤组织,非胚性愈伤组织中木质素、可溶性糖含量以及PAL和POD活性要高于胚性愈伤组织,二者的反肉桂酸4-单加氧酶基因、淀粉磷酸化酶基因、谷胱甘肽硫转移酶基因、葡萄糖-1-磷酸腺苷酸转移酶基因、葡萄糖六磷酸异构酶基因、分支酸合酶基因以及苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因表达差异也达到显著水平。     

Genotype and explant-type dependent morphogenesis and silicon response of common reed (Phragmites australis) tissue cultures

The effects of silicon on the growth and development of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud. (common reed) stem nodal and root embryogenic calli were investigated. Silicon is considered to be a beneficial or quasi-essential nutrient for several Gramineaceous plants, including reed. Seven callus lines of four geographical locations (genotypes 1-4) within Hungary were investigated. Callus lines 1A, 2A and 3A were produced from stem nodal explants, while lines 1B, 2B, 3B and 4 were produced from roots. For the assay of silicon-dependent growth of callus lines of identical genotype but originating from different explants, we measured the increase of fresh weight of lines 1A and 1B. The studied developmental parameters were the increase of the number of somatic embryos (for callus lines 1A and 1B) and plant or root production from somatic embryos (for all genotypes/callus lines). Silicon was added to the culture medium as sodium silicate. In control cultures, plant or root regeneration from embryogenic calli was strongly genotype- and explant type-dependent. Stem nodal explants developed plants on regeneration medium in case of callus lines 2A and 3A, while line 1A produced roots only. All root derived calli developed roots on regeneration medium. Silicon stimulated the growth of both stem nodal and root calli (callus lines 1A, B) however, the concentration optima were different. Somatic embryogenesis of root calli, but not of stem nodal calli, was stimulated by silicate at low concentrations. However, for both of these callus lines, root development was stimulated by silicon. It had genotype-dependent influences on plant regeneration: while stimulation was observed in case of callus line 2A, inhibition occurred for line 3A. Root morphogenesis on calli was significantly influenced by silicon and depended on the callus line studied. Root production was stimulated on callus lines 1A, B and 2B, while in case of callus line 3B, it was significantly inhibited. The morphogenetic effects of Si were similar for different explants of the same geographical origin, i.e. plant or root production was similarly stimulated or inhibited by this element. We can conclude that the effects of Si on plant or root development depend on reed genotype used for callus induction. Its effect on growth and somatic embryogenesis depends on the explant type used for callus production. This is the first detailed report on the role of silicon in plant vegetative development and morphogenesis of a Gramineaceous plant.     

Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis of Phalaenopsis

Callus induction and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in Phalaenopsis Richard Shaffer `Santa Cruz' were examined. Protocorm-like body (PLB) segments formed calli in Vacin and Went medium with sucrose. The optimal concentration of sucrose was 40 g ⋅ l^–1. Medium containing 200 ml ⋅ l^–1 coconut water together with 40 g ⋅ l^–1 sucrose was effective for callus induction. Gellan gum was suitable than agar as a gelling agent for callus induction. The calli easily formed PLBs after being transferred to a medium without sucrose. Histological observation suggested that the PLBs were somatic embryos. No variation was observed in the flowering plants regenerated through somatic embryogenesis. Received: 11 June 1997 / Revision received: 6 October 1997 / Accepted: 18 October 1997     

Cyclic somatic embryogenesis and efficient plant regeneration from callus of safflower

Efficient plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis was established for safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv. NARI-6. Embryogenic calli were induced from 10 to 17-d-old cotyledon and leaf explants from in vitro seedlings. High frequency (94.3 %) embryogenic callus was obtained from cotyledon explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s germination (MSG) basal medium supplemented with thidiazuron, 2-isopentenyladenine and indole-3-butyric acid. Primary, secondary and cyclic somatic embryos were formed from embryogenic calli in a different media free of plant growth regulators, however, 100 % cyclic somatic embryogenesis was obtained from cotyledon derived embryogenic calli cultured on MSG. Somatic embryos matured and germinated in quarter-strength MSG medium supplemented with gibberellic acid. Cotyledons with root poles or non root poles were converted to normal plantlets and produced adventitious roots in rooting medium. Rooted plants were acclimatized and successfully transferred to the field.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in callus culture of tef, Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter

The study was carried out to establish in vitro culture conditions for plant regeneration of tef, Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter. Mature seeds of two Ethiopian varieties, DZ-01-354 and DZ-01-196, were used to initiate callus cultures on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different auxins. Four- and 8-week-old calli induced on a medium with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were subcultured onto various media to induce somatic embryogenesis. Compact, nodulated, embryogenic callus was observed after transfer onto MS-callus proliferating (CP) medium. Embryogenic tissue appeared on soft and amorphous callus and developed into somatic embryos during a subsequent subculture to MS embryo-promoting (EP) media. Various growth regulator combinations were tested in CP and EP media to obtain a high efficiency of somatic embryo formation. The highest frequency of calli forming somatic embryos (56.1–68.3%) was observed when CP media with 2.0 or 4.0 mg/l 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid were employed and then cultures were transferred to EP media with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l kinetin followed by 0.5 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid and 0.5 mg/l N⁶-benzyladenine. Plant development from somatic embryos was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l gibberellic acid. On average, 71.2% of calli displaying somatic embryos converted into plants. Regenerated plants were successfully transferred to soil. Neither chlorophyll-deficient plants nor morphological variants were found among regenerants. All regenerated plants were fertile. Received: 9 May 1997 / Revision received: 25 September 1997 / Accepted: 3 January 1998     

Nodular somatic embryogenesis and frond regeneration in duckweed,Lemna gibba G3

Duckweed(Lemna gibba) is a useful model system for elucidating plant development, but the techniques needed for regenerating fronds from calli are not yet well established. This study examined the effects of auxin, sucrose, and gelling agents on callus and frond formation inL. gibba G3. After three weeks of culturing on a solid medium, two types of calli were observed: watery, pale-green, and undifferentiated; or white, compact calli that were organized into nodules and which resembled somatic embryogenie calli. Homogeneous callus lines were produced through selective subculture. To induce nodular calli, auxin (2,4-D) was absolutely required, with an effective concentration of 5 to 20 μM; induction was found to be possible with up to a maximum concentration of 4.4%. The calli were then maintained on a medium with a reduced 2,4-D concentration (1 μM), and were transferred every three weeks. Optimal callus induction and growth were obtained by using 3% sucrose with a combination of 0.15% Gelrite and 0.4% agar. Fronds, however, could be regenerated only on distilled water solidified with a combination of 0.4% agar and 0.15% Gelrite. On this medium, 87% of the callus expiants regenerated into fronds after four weeks of culture. These new fronds were morphologically normal but small, approximately 15 to 20% of the size of stock fronds. Continued culture of these fronds in an SH medium produced normal duckweeds, and histological examination of the cultures revealed several distinct types of callus nodules. Nonetheless, because zygotic embryogenesis inL. gibba does not produce distinct bipolar structures, the developmental pathway of frond regeneration from these nodular cultures remains unknown.     

影响籼稻体细胞胚胎发生几个因素的研究

以 IR36、IR50、IR52及 IR54等品种的幼穗及成熟种子为材料,研究了蔗糖浓度、2,4-D、NAA、激动素及脱落酸对体细胞胚胎发生、结构的保持及植株分化的影响。6%蔗糖有利于胚性愈伤组织的诱导;3%的有利于胚性结构的保持及植株分化。当培养基中不含2,4-D,而含激动素与 NAA 时,幼穗直接出芽;当不含激动素而含2,4-D与 NAA 时,外植体产生非胚性愈伤组织;当不含 NAA 而含2,4-D 与激动素时,外植体产生胚性愈伤组织。认为,2,4-D与激动素是籼稻体细胞胚胎发生的基本因素,而 NAA 的作用是不明显的。不同外植体(幼穗与成熟种子)的体细胞胚胎发生,对2,4-D 与激动素的反应略有不同,幼穗更为敏感。在继代培养基中,加入低浓度的脱落酸有利于胚性结构的保持。随着继代世代的延续,分化培养中愈伤组织所表现出的绿色生长点状物不能发育成完整植株。     

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND ORGANOGENESIS FROM CALLUS CULTURES OF SOLANUM CAROLINENSE

Culture of stem segments of Solanum carolinense L. on medium supplemented with 10 mg/1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1 mg/1 kinetin, induced callus formation. When subcultured on medium lacking 2,4-D but containing a cytokinin, the callus regenerated. The mode of regeneration depended on the type and concentration of cytokinin employed; high concentrations of benzyladenine and all concentrations of kinetin promoted organogenesis, while low concentrations of benzyladenine induced somatic embryogenesis in addition to organogenesis. With age and continued subculture on 2,4-D containing medium, callus progressively lost its ability to regenerate when the auxin was replaced by cytokinin. In conjunction with previous studies on regeneration from anther cultures of S. carolinense, it appears that in both cases, 2,4-D is required for callus initiation and proliferation but must be exchanged for a cytokinin before differentiation will occur. However, since it was not possible to induce embryogenesis in pollen-derived callus, developmental potential may be influenced by the ploidy level of responding cells in culture.     

IN VITRO SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND REGENERATION OF SOMATIC EMBRYOS FROM PIGMENTED CALLUS OF KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII (DOTY) DOTY (RHODOPHYTA,GIGARTINALES)1

In vitro somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of somatic embryos to whole plants through micropropagules was successfully demonstrated from pigmented uniseriate filamentous callus of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty in axenic cultures. More than 80% of the explants cultured on 1.5% (w/v) agar‐solidified Provasoli enriched seawater (PES) medium showed callus development. The callus induction rate was consistently higher for laboratory‐adapted plants. The excised callus grew well in subcultures and maintained its growth for prolonged periods if transferred to fresh medium in regular intervals. Some subcultured calli (<10%) did undergo transformation and produced densely pigmented spherical or oval‐shaped micropropagules (1–5 mm in diameter) that subsequently developed into young plantlets in liquid PES medium. The micropropagule production was further improved through somatic embryogenesis by a novel method of culturing thin slices of pigmented callus with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or a mixture of NAA and 6‐benzylaminopurine. Transfer of embryogenic callus along with tiny somatic embryos to liquid medium and swirling on orbital shaker facilitated rapid growth and morphogenesis of somatic embryos into micropropagules that grew into whole plants in subsequent cultivation in the sea. The daily growth rate of one tissue cultured plant was monitored for seven generations in field and found to be as high as 1.5–1.8 times over farmed plants. The prolific somatic embryogenesis together with high germination potential of somatic embryos observed in this study offers a promising tool for rapid and mass clonal production of seed stock of Kappaphycus for commercial farming.     

Long-term cultured callus and the effect factor of high-frequency plantlet regeneration and somatic embryogenesis maintenance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zoysia japonica</Emphasis>

In this study, we have demonstrated that Zoysia japonica callus induced from mature seeds can produce high frequencies of plant regeneration and somatic embryogenesis, even following a prolonged period of subculturing. Initial callus cultures were induced from mature seeds of Japanese lawngrass (Z. japonica Steud.) incubated on a medium containing major N₆ medium salts, minor Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium salts, and modified MS medium organic elements supplemented with 3 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.01–0.02 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzyladenine. Compact callus were selected and subcultured monthly on a medium containing 2 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-D, 0.5 mg L⁻¹ kinetin, 500 mg L⁻¹ casein hydrolysate, 500 mg L⁻¹ proline, and 500 mg L⁻¹ myoinositol. Callus maintained in vitro for 18 mo could be induced to regenerate plantlets with a frequency of >90%. By contrast, 36-mo-old callus cultures failed to produce normal shoot regeneration. However, the addition of CuSO₄ to the subculture media maintained >90% regeneration frequencies in such long-term callus cultures. Histological observations revealed that plant regeneration occurred both through somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis pathways. The ability to sustainable regeneration in long-term callus cultures will be valuable to the program of genetic transformation and somaclonal variant selection.     

Induction of triploid Citrus plants from endosperm calli in vitro

Summary Triploid hybrid Citrus plants were regenerated by somatic embryogenesis in vitro from endosperm derived calli. A sequence of media formulations was used to induce and support proliferation of primary callus from endosperm, to induce embryogenesis from primary callus, and to allow embryo development leading to viable plantlets. Calli were induced from cellular endosperm of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), C. Xparadisi (grapefruit), and C. grandis (pummelo) excised 12–14 weeks post-anthesis. Induction of embryogenesis from sweet orange and pummelo primary calli required gibberellic acid and double mineral nutrient concentrations. Embryogenesis was not induced from grapefruit calli in these experiments. Only sweet orange embryos developed sufficiently to allow plant regeneration. Triploid axillary buds were minigrafted onto etiolated diploid rootstock seedlings in vitro in order to transfer triploid regenerants to soil and the external environment. Triploidy (2n = 3x = 27) was observed consistently in all phases of regeneration and in recovered plants. These results demonstrate that triploid hybrid plant recovery from Citrus endosperm can overcome barriers to sexual hybridization resulting from apomixis.Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-00627     

High-frequency regeneration via somatic embryogenesis of an elite recalcitrant cotton genotype (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gossypium hirsutum</Emphasis> L.) and efficient <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation

A highly efficient and reproducible regeneration system based on somatic embryogenesis in Gossypium hirsutum cv. Narasimha (NM), which has superior fiber qualities and is also used as a female parent in several hybrid cottons, has been developed. Embryogenic callus was obtained form both hypocotyls and cotyledonary leaves on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing kinetin and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Somatic embryogenesis was observed on hormone-free MS medium, but embryos did not grow well beyond globular stage. However, somatic embryos germinated well on MS medium containing B5 vitamins; addition of zeatin was found to be beneficial for their normal development. Most importantly, the media and culture conditions developed for NM were also found to be suitable for high-frequency somatic embryogenesis in Coker 310. In addition, the newly developed regeneration protocol has been successfully tested for genetic transformation through co-cultivation with Agrobacterium using embryogenic calli as explants. Molecular analysis confirmed the stable integration and expression of marker gene, green fluorescent protein (GFP). These results show that it is now possible to introduce foreign gene(s) directly into elite cultivar Narasimha with similar efficiency to in traditionally used Coker lines in a relatively short period of time. Development of efficient regeneration and transformation systems as demonstrated here should augment the introduction of new traits directly into cultivated varieties/hybrids, reducing the time required for back-crossing and the costs for seed production, besides aiding genomic research in cotton.     

Callus induction, somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in Narcissus confusus: correlation between the state of differentiation and the content of galanthamine and related alkaloids

In vitro cultures from two strains of Narcissus confusus (Amaryllidaceae) initiated from mature seeds were screened for their ability to produce alkaloids. Protocols for callus induction, somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis were established. The alkaloid contents were determined by HPLC. Undifferentiated calli produced small amounts of galanthamine, which increased with the degree of tissue differentiation. Scanning electron micrographs of the cultures at different stages of development were made. Embryogenic friable calli were maintained in culture for more than 2 years, retaining a high regeneration capability. All regenerated plants showed normal morphological characteristics. Received: 20 August 1997 / Revision received: 20 December 1997 / Accepted: 1 February 1998     

华山松胚性愈伤组织诱导与幼胚离体培养

探索华山松（Pinus armandii）体细胞胚胎发生技术对其实施规模化无性繁殖和开展遗传转化具有重要意义。本文以1／2LM为基本培养基,通过激素调节等措施对华山松的胚性愈伤组织诱导和幼胚的离体培养技术进行了初步研究。研究结果：胚性愈伤组织诱导率最高可达52．71％,但愈伤组织继代培养后没有体细胞胚胎的分化;首次从其子叶期的幼胚中直接诱导出具有根和茎的完整植株,诱导率达92％以上。文章确认了采集的幼胚发育状态对胚性愈伤组织的诱导有重要影响,并对诱导的培养条件等进行了探讨。     

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid affects mode and frequency of regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts ofBrassica oleracea

Summary The effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on the regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts ofBrassica oleracea was studied by varying the 2,4-D concentration in the protoplast culture medium, 8 p, and the callus proliferation medium, K3. When hypocotyl protoplasts of the inbred line BL12 were cultured in the complete absence of 2,4-D, they divided and produced embryogenic calli. Moreover, these calli generated somatic embryos which were easily recognized by red cotyledons due to the presence of anthocyanin. When 2,4-D was present either in 8p medium or K3 medium the formation of somatic embryos was reduced. On the other hand, the number of shoot-forming calli increased considerably. We therefore conclude that 2,4-D directs the mode of regeneration by suppressing somatic embryogenesis in favour of shoot regeneration. Secondly, 2,4-D increases the regeneration efficiency. Furthermore, the callus proliferation phase on K3 medium is most important with respect to the determination of either somatic embryogenesis or shoot regeneration.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole acetic acid - NAA naphthalene acetic acid - PE plating efficiency     

A genetic approach to in vitro regeneration of non-regenerating cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars

Selections were made among individual plants of Gossypium hirsutum cv `Coker 310' for high-frequency in vitro regeneration by somatic embryogenesis. After three generations of selection, a pure line for high-frequency somatic embryogenesis was selected and named Coker 310 FR (FR, fully regenerating). Coker 310 FR could be regenerated by following previously published protocols (see Materials and methods) and a modified protocol developed in this study that reduced the time necessary for in vitro regeneration. Coker 310 FR was crossed with individual plants of major cotton cultivars grown in India, namely `MCU 5', `MCU 7', `Khandwa 2', `Bikaneri Nerma', `F 846' that have been shown to be recalcitrant to in vitro regeneration, to evaluate the regeneration potential of F₁s. All the F₁s showed regeneration by somatic embryogenesis. However, the F₁ of G. barbadense×G. hirsutum Coker 310 FR did not regenerate. Received: 16 September 1997 / Revision received: 1 April 1998 / Accepted: 15 May 1998