Effect of Hormone Treatment on Growth Bud Formation and Free Amine and Hydroxycinnamoyl Putrescine Levels in Leaf Explant of Nicotiana tabacum Cultivated in Vitro

Foliar explants of Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi n.c. were cultured on four different media: a basal medium, basal medium plus benzyladenine, basal medium plus 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and the basal medium containing both hormones. No differentiation or cell division occurred in leaf explants cultured on the basal medium. Addition of benzyladenine caused the formation of buds on the explants, while 2,4-D caused callus formation and proliferation. Likewise, only callus was formed when explants were cultured on medium containing both hormones, but growth was significantly greater than that of callus grown on a medium containing 2,4-D alone. The levels of amines and hydroxycinnamoyl putrescines were determined in the four types of explants. In nongrowing explants, amines (except an aromatic amine, tyramine) and hydroxycinnamoyl putrescines were always at a low level and only small changes in their concentrations were observed. In callus cultures, amine (except an aromatic amine, phenethylamine) and hydroxycinnamoyl putrescine levels were higher than those found in bud cultures. In all the media, transitory accumulation of aromatic amines occurred after a few days of culture. Higher levels of hydroxycinnamoyl putrescines were attained in callus cultures with a slow growth rate (2,4-D alone) than in callus cultures with a fast growth rate (benzyladenine + 2,4-D). The formation of buds was accompanied by significant changes in putrescine and hydroxycinnamoyl putrescine levels. Increasing levels were found during the first 14 days in culture when cell multiplication was rapid, followed by a sharp decline after 20 days in culture as the rate of cell division decreased and differentiation took place. The relationship among amines, hydroxycinnamoyl putrescines, and cell division and bud formation is discussed.     

Transglutaminase-like activity in Chrysanthemum leaf explants cultivated in vitro in relation to cell growth and hormone treatment

In Chrysanthemum leaf explants cultivated in vitro the capacity to covalently link polyamines to protein substances exists. This plant enzyme activity shows some similarities with mammalian transglutaminases. In foliar explants cultured on a medium promoting bud or root formation increasing levels of transglutaminase-like activity occurred during the first days of culture when cell multiplication was rapid then the levels declined as the rate of cell division decreased and differentiation occurred. Undifferentiated callus exhibited low transglutaminase-like activity. Transglutaminase-like activity also increased in rapidly proliferating and growing organs (roots and buds initiated from the foliar explants) and decreased during maturity. The relationship among transglutaminases-like activity, cell division, bud and root formation is discussed.     

Transglutaminase-like activity in Chrysanthemum leaf explants cultivated in vitro in relation to cell growth and hormone treatment

In Chrysanthemum leaf explants cultivated in vitro the capacity to covalently link polyamines to protein substances exists. This plant enzyme activity shows some similarities with mammalian transglutaminases. In foliar explants cultured on a medium promoting bud or root formation increasing levels of transglutaminase-like activity occurred during the first days of culture when cell multiplication was rapid then the levels declined as the rate of cell division decreased and differentiation occurred. Undifferentiated callus exhibited low transglutaminase-like activity. Transglutaminase-like activity also increased in rapidly proliferating and growing organs (roots and buds initiated from the foliar explants) and decreased during maturity. The relationship among transglutaminases-like activity, cell division, bud and root formation is discussed.Abbreviations TGase transglutaminase - BA benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - Put putrescine - Spd spermidine     

Optimisation of plantlet regeneration from leaf and nodal derived callus of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vanilla planifolia</Emphasis> Andrews

An indirect in vitro plant regeneration protocol for Vanilla planifolia has been established. Juvenile leaf and nodal segments from V. planifolia were used as explants to initiate callus. Nodal explants showed better callus initiation than juvenile leaf explants, with 35.0% of explants forming callus when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) and 1.0 mg/l 6-benzyladenine (BA). Almost 10.0% of juvenile leaf explants were induced to form callus on the MS basal medium containing 2.0 mg/l NAA and 2.0 mg/l BA, whereas no callus formed in the presence of any concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and BA. After 8 weeks, callus generated was transferred to MS basal medium containing 1.0 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l NAA. A mean number of 4.2 shoots per callus was produced on this medium, with a mean length of 3.8 cm after 8 weeks of culture. Roots formed on 88.3% of plantlets when they were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l NAA, with a mean length of 4.4 cm after 4 weeks of culture. Of the rooted plantlets, 90.0% survived acclimatisation and were making new growth after 4 weeks.     

Hormonal control of deoxyribonucleic Acid and protein syntheses in pea root cortical explants

The hormonal control of DNA and protein syntheses in cortical explants taken at 10 to 11 mm from the tip of 3-day-old seedling roots (Pisum sativum cv. Little Marvel) was examined. On the auxin medium, S2M, the cortical cells began to enlarge at day 4 in culture, with no DNA synthesis or cell division throughout the 7-day culture period. With the addition of kinetin to this medium, S2M + K, the DNA content of the explants increased about three times by day 3, with further increases thereafter. This DNA increase was followed by cell division activity and subsequent tracheary element differentiation initiated at day 5. At least two divisions per parent cortical cell were required prior to this cytodifferentiation. The absolute hormonal requirements for the DNA synthesis and cell division responses were substantiated by the lack of either response in explants cultured on basal (S2M medium minus auxins) or basal + K medium for 7 days. On the auxin medium, there was no protein accumulation in the cortical explants over the 7-day period. On S2M + K medium, protein accumulation began after day 2 with a steady rate of increase until day 4, and some fluctuation thereafter. The pattern of increasing uptake of ¹⁴C-leucine was similar for days 0 to 4 in explants on either medium. After day 4 on S2M, the uptake continued to increase coincident with cell enlargement initiation, whereas on S2M + K there was a decline. Incorporation of ¹⁴C-leucine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitates of the total buffered homogenate from explants on both media exhibited a similar pattern, i.e. an increase during days 0 to 3 and then a decline to a level about three times higher than day 0. Incorporation into the homogenate soluble fraction also showed a similar pattern in explants cultured with or without kinetin. From the differences in net protein accumulation and the incorporation data, speculation on a cytokinin effect on protein synthesis and degradation rates is presented.     

Organogenesis from internode-derived nodules of Humulus lupulus var. Nugget (Cannabinaceae): histological studies and changes in the starch content

The sequence of histological and histochemical events occurring during organogenesis from Humulus lupulus var. Nugget internode-derived nodules was studied. Sections were made and studies were carried out from the start of culture treatment until the development of shoot buds. Cell division was observed in both cambial and cortical regions during the first week of culture establishment. Cell division in cortical cells led to the formation of an incipient callus tissue. From the calluses prenodular structures of cambial origin appeared and gave rise to nodules from which shoot buds formed. Nodules kept separating into "daughter nodules" from which arose an increasing number of shoot buds. Iodide staining showed a strong starch accumulation in callus tissue and in prenodular structures. During shoot-bud primordia formation starch content decreased in nodules. Some starch was also noted in control explants (cultured on basal medium), however at a lower level than that observed in explants cultured on media with growth regulators. Shoot-bud regeneration was not observed in control explants.     

Changes in respiratory metabolism in tissue cultures of carrot root

Changes in respiratory metabolism accompanied by callus formationin cultured explants of carrot root were followed and the followingresults were obtained. 1) When the explant was cultured on amedium containing kinetin and 2,4-D, active cell division occurredand resulted in callus formation by the 9th–12th days.2) Fresh weight remarkably increased after a lag-time of about5 days. Changes in protein content on fresh weight basis weresimilar to changes in fresh weight. 3) Respiration rate increasedduring the first few days, when growth could not be distinctlymeasured. Accompanying the rise in respiration, the C₆/C₁ ratioalso increased. As callus developed, the respiratory rate andC₆/C₁ ratio gradually decreased and RQ, became higher than unity.4) Alcohol dehydrogenase activity increased between the 4thand 9th days after culture. 5) When sub-cultured callus tissuewas fed with G-U-¹⁴C, some radioactivity was detected in thealcohol of the tissues. 6) These results suggest that duringthe first 4–6 days after culture the activity of the EMBDEN-MEYERHOF-PARNAS-TCApathway was remarkably increased and, as callus developed, therelative participation of the pentose phosphate pathway graduallyincreased and simultaneously alcohol fermentation occurred. (Received December 13, 1968; )     

Origin of somatic embryos from cultured shoot tips ofSorghum bicolor (L.) moench

Summary Histologic examination of shoot-tip explants, 1 wk after culture initiation on Murashige and Skoog medium with 2.5 mg/liter 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.05 mg/liter kinetin, reveals active meristematic centers inside cultured tissue. Clusters of cells in these meristematic centers exhibit remarkable resemblance to the initial three divisions in the zygotic embryo. Several such meristematic groups of cells are observed in the cultured explant at this stage. Embryogenesis is obviously initiated very early in this tissue in the presence of 2,4-D. A well-defined, white globular embryogenic callus develops in culture in about 4 wk, and it consists of clusters of embryoids with large cells characterized by thick cell walls, numerous lipoidal vesicles, and localized areas of carbohydrate storage. These cells resemble the scutellar tissue of the embryo. However, there are cells within this tissue that themselves appear embryogenic. They undergo cell division giving rise to small clusters of cells. As long as 2,4-D is present in the medium, the cells apparently retain the capacity to proliferate and to produce more cells capable of embryogenesis. Embryogenesis seems to occur via two processes, initiation of somatic embryos early in culture and secondary embryogensis from the scutellar tissue that forms in vitro.     

ADVENTIVE ORGANOGENESIS FROM SOMATIC TISSUE CULTURES OF SOLANUM CAROLINENSE: ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF REGENERATED PLANTS

The development of adventitious shoot formation from cultured somatic tissues of Solanum carolinense was studied using light microscopy. For purposes of comparison, callus initiation and proliferation were also followed. When stem segments of this plant were cultured on medium supplemented with 6 mg/l benzyladenine (BA), cell division was first observed after 48 hr in the external phloem and inner cortex of the segments. This division activity gave rise to meristematic zones which subsequently formed shoot primordia within 6 days of culture. While organogenic potential appears to be limited to specific regions, all tissues of the explant were capable of callus formation when cultured on medium containing 3 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). In conjunction with a previous study, it appears that unlike somatic embryogenesis in this species, organogenesis does not require an intermediate callus phase for differentiation to occur.     

Induction of mitosis in polytene nuclei and hormonal effect on nuclear changes during callus initiation in diploid Urginea indica Kunth. (liliaceae)

Bulb scale and inflorescence explants of Urginea indica Kunth. (2n=20) were cultured in vitro on modified Murashige & Skoog's medium with different hormonal composition. Media containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D) (2 and 4 mgl^–1) and -naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA) (2 mgl^–1) could induce callus in inflorescence explants. Combination of 2,4-D (4 mgl^–1) + NAA (2 mgl^–1) + Kinetin (2 mgl^–1) only could induce callus formation in scale explants. The bulb scale explants contained mostly diploid cells while the inflorescence explants contained cells with nuclear DNA content ranging from 2C to 64C. The lowest karyological heterogeneity was recorded in callus derived from bulb scale and in callus derived from inflorescence induced with NAA. The highest variability was recorded on media with 2,4-D alone. Induction of division, probably of the pre-existing polytenic nuclei in the inflorescence explant, has been suggested to be the cause of origin of polyploid cells in such cases.     

Expression of the BBM gene during somatic embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana

The relationship between somatic embryogenesis (SE) and the expression of the BABY BOOM (BBM) gene was studied in cultured immature zygotic embryos (IZEs) using a transgenic line of Arabidopsis thaliana containing a BBMPro::GUS construct. Results showed spatio-temporal differences in BBM expression in explants during culture. BBM promoter activity was observed in freshly isolated IZEs except distal parts of cotyledons. At the beginning of culture, considerable increase of GUS staining intensity was observed in all parts of explants, which maintained at high level over next few days and coincide with cell divisions. Gradual decrease of GUS distribution in explants was observed at about the 5th day of culture. BBM promoter activity became largely restricted to dividing cells, then to developing somatic embryos, shoot-like structures and callus. In parts of explants not involved in morphogenesis BBM promoter activity was absent or hardly seen. Thus the in vitro expression of BBM coincides with cell proliferation and morphogenesis.     

Somatic embryogenesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gentiana cruciata</Emphasis> (L.): Histological and ultrastructural changes in seedling hypocotyl explant

Summary Structure and ultrastructure changes that occurred during tissue culture of upper explants of hypocotyl (adjacent to cotyledons) of 10-d-old seedlings of Gentiana cruciata were studied. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog induction medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l⁻¹ dicamba +0.1 mg l⁻¹ naphthaleneacetic acid +2.0 mg l⁻¹ benzyladenine +80.0 mg l⁻¹ adenine sulfate. The initial response of the explant and callus formation were ultrastructurally analyzed during the first 11 d of culture. After 6–8 wk, various methods were employed to collect evidence of indirect somatic embryogenesis. After 48 h of culture, the earliest cell response was cell division of epidermis and primary cortex. There were numerous disturbances of karyo- and cytokinesis, leading to formation of multinuclear cells. With time, the divisions ceased, and cortex cells underwent strong expansion, vacuolization and degradation. About the 6th day of culture, callus tissue proliferated and the initial divisions of vascular cylinder cells were observed. Their division appeared normal. Cells originating from that tissue were small, weakly vacuolated, with dense cytoplasm containing active-looking cell organelles. Numerous divisions occurred in the vascular cylinder, which led to its expansion and the formation of embryogenic callus tissue. During the 6–8th wk of culture, in the proximal end of the explant, masses of somatic embryos were formed from outer parts of intensively proliferating tissue.     

In vitro response of leaf tissues from Lolium multiflorum — a comparison with leaf segment position,leaf age and in vivo mitotic activity

Summary Immature gramineous leaves provide a convenient system for comparing the response of cells in culture with their state of differentiation. Callusing frequency is compared with leaf segment position, leaf age and in vivo mitotic activity in Lolium multiflorum. (1) In a succession of one millimeter sections from the immature leaf base, callus was formed from the first and second sections but not the third or subsequent sections. The frequency of those explants callusing decreased with distance from the base of the leaf and with leaf age (or leaf extension growth). (2) In vivo, the proportion of cells in mitosis declined from around 10–14% at the base of young leaves to zero at 5 mm from the base and beyond. Mitotic activity also declined in leaves as they aged, and dividing cells were not observed in leaves 30 days from initiation or older. (3) A high frequency of callus formation was associated with a high mitotic index in the explant. But for corresponding mitotic indices, cells further away from the leaf base were less responsive in culture. (4) It is proposed that cells are becoming differentiated even in highly meristematically active regions of the leaf and concomitantly losing their ability to respond in culture.     

Biochemical and histological changes associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> responses in sunflower cotyledonary explants

In vitro shoot regeneration from sunflower cotyledonary explants can be obtained in the presence of kinetin and indole-3-acetic acid. In contrast, callus proliferation is obtained in the presence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on culture medium. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in protein profiles during callus and shoot development from cotyledonary explants and to correlate them with ontogenic stages during in vitro culture. Cotyledons cultured in the presence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid produced friable callus as a result of early division of parenchymatic cells associated with the vascular bundles of the explant. The callogenic ability was independent of the cotyledonary region used as starting explant. Direct shoot organogenesis was observed from the same type of cells growing in culture media supplemented with kinetin and indole-3-acetic acid. In this case, the regeneration potential varied among regions from which the explants were obtained. Protein profiles revealed differences associated with shoots or callus developmental programs. A 27-kDa polypeptide was uniquely detected in the explants undergoing shoot organogenesis. The amount of this polypeptide during the first 4 d of culture increased and was followed by the appearance of meristematic centers in histologically analyzed samples. This polypeptide could be used as a specific marker for in vitro shoot development in this species.     

Enhanced production and germination of somatic embryos by temporary starvation in tissue cultures of Daucus carota

Embryogenic callus was induced from cotyledonary explants of Daucus carota L. cultured on solidified MS medium supplemented with 1 mg l^-1 2,4-D. Following callus initiation somatic embryos were developed from the callus on MS medium without 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. To stimulate the production and germination of somatic embryos we cultured the callus under physically and chemically modified conditions during subculture. When the embryogenic callus was cultured on half-strength MS medium or MS medium without sucrose or cultured under conditions of reduced humidity (69.3%), the production of embryos increased 3.4- to 4.5-fold compared to culture on MS medium containing 3% sucrose (control). Embryogenic callus cultured on MS medium after 5 days of starvation (by being placed in empty 12-well tissue culture plates) showed a 20-fold increase in somatic embryo production and enhanced maturation and germination of embryos. An important point is that the germination of somatic embryos with cup-shaped cotyledons, after a period in culture without medium, was remarkably improved (92%) compared to that of the controls (23%).Thus, we were able to show that stress by starvation without medium led to the enhanced production and increased germination of somatic embryos.     

Explant preparation affects culture initiation and regeneration of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius

The influence of explant preparation on culture initiation and regeneration was investigated. Explant preparation was defined as the application of surface disinfection and homogenization to ginseng roots and embryos. Surface disinfection significantly affected culture initiation and subsequent embryogenesis. A high success rate (80–97%) in culture initiation was associated with explants from non-surface disinfected root tissue. The cumulative contamination rate after 8 months was below 4%; in contrast, a contamination rate of 85% was observed in disinfected root explants. For non-disinfected explants, visible callus was induced in 1 week, adventitious root and somatic embryos were formed in 2 and 6 months, respectively. Explants from disinfected roots required 1 month to induce visible callus, 5–7 months for adventitious roots and 10 months for somatic embryogenesis. For germinating embryos, disinfected embryos required double the time for embryogenesis than non-disinfected ones. It was considered that surface disinfection imposed a stress and subsequently a carry-over effect on explants.     

Plant Regeneration from Protoplasts of Talinum paniculatum

The protoplasts of Talinum paniculaturn (Jaeq.) Gaertn. were isolated from leaves and calli. The mesophyll protoplasts did not undergo normal division and lived one week at the longest in culture. However, the callus protoplasts, cultured in P4 medium (K8p+2, 4-D 0.2 mg/L, NAA 1.0 mg/L, ZT 0.5 mg/L, coconut milk 50 mL/L, glucose 0.5 mol/L), underwent first division after 3 d of culture. The division frequency was 36.7 % after 7 d of culture. The regeneration frequencies of callus were 0.31% in liquid culture and 0.34% in double-layer culture. Shoots differentiated on regeneration media and rooted on R3 and R7 media. Mature plants were obtained 2～3 months after transplanting the protoplast-derived plantlets into flower pot or successive subculturing in test tubes. The results also indicated that: (1) Too long a period of callus culture in liquid medium or in solid proliferation medium was unfavorable to differentiation. (2) Low concentration of 6-BA in medium was suitable for callus differentiation. (3) GA3 promoted development of young adventitious bud. (4) Multi-effect triazole significantly strengthened sprout and root development in test tube cultures.     

Relationship between auxin-induced cell proliferation and somatic embryogenesis in culture of carrot cotyledons

We elucidated the relationship between cell proliferation and somatic embryogenesis in the culture of carrot cotyledons. Fresh weights of the cotyledon expiants were determined every five days while being cultured on a medium containing 2,4-D. Callus production increased exponentially from Day 20 to Day 25, showing a two-fold rate of proliferation. To examine the embryogenic potential of the callus, we pre-cultured cotyledon explants on an MS medium with 2,4-D, then transferred them to an MS basal medium at five-day intervals. Somatic embryos formed most frequently when the cotyledons were pre-cultured for 20 days on an MS medium that contained 5 μ2,4-D. The frequency of somatic embryo formation was 81%, while that of normal embryos with two cotyledons was 51% among those formed on a hormone-free medium. We used FACScan analysis to relate the embryogenic potential of the callus to the S phase in the cell cycle of cultured cells. The S phase was high after 25 days of culture on the medium with 5 μM 2,4-D. In contrast, the frequency of normal embryogenesis was higher at Day 20 of the pre-culture period. Culturing embryogenic calli on a medium with 5 μM 2,4-D was most favorable for producing somatic embryos with two cotyledons. We verified that active somatic embryogenesis was apparently related to cell division activity; somatic embryos induced from actively dividing cells were apt to accompany cotyledonary abnormality.     

Specific peroxidase isoenzymes are correlated with organogenesis

We have examined isoperoxidase patterns obtained from buffer-, salt-, and enzyme-extractable fractions and correlated them with histological changes in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv Wisc. 38) `epidermal' explants induced to produce either callus, vegetative buds, or floral buds. By utilizing a combination of extraction and electrophoretic procedures different from any hitherto used for this kind of investigation, we were able to resolve 47 isoperoxidases distributed between the three types of fractions. The majority of these isoperoxidases were common to all explants regardless of their developmental fate. Correspondingly, a number of histological changes were observed in all explants (e.g. the initiation of cell division by day 2, lignin deposition by day 4, and the formation of clustered tracheary elements by day 8). We have made correlations between 25 isoperoxidases and specific developmental events based on the time when certain isoperoxidases were detected relative to observed histological changes: 3 were correlated with desuppressed/sustained cell division, 3 to 6 with lignification/tracheary element maturation, 7 with callus formation, 1 with localized suppression of growth, 3 with determinate axial organization, 4 with leaf development, and 1 with stamen development. These results suggest that a continued investigation using this system could lead to a better understanding of the role of specific isoperoxidases in different developmental processes.     

Plant regeneration from apple seedling explants and callus cultures

Leaf, cotyledon, and hypocotyl explants were obtained from 3-week-old seedlings of open-pollinated ‘Golden Delicious’ (Malus domestica bork H.) grown in vitro. They were placed on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing B5 vitamins, sucrose and agar, supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and maintained at 25°C±2 in the light or in the dark to assess morphogenetic responses. Leaf and cotyledon explants cultured in the dark for an initial 3 weeks, then transferred to light for 4 weeks, produced 5- to 20-fold more adventitious shoots than those cultured for 7 weeks in the light. Conversely, light did not significantly influence the number of adventitious shoots formed on hypocotyl explants. Five-minute daily exposures of leaf explants to red light (651 nm) suppressed adventitious shoot formation by 80%; five-minute exposure to far-red light (729 nm) immediately following the red light counteracted the red suppression. Seedling explants, immature fruit halves and immature embryos were also cultured on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium containing 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (CPA) and kinetin. Light inhibited callus formation on leaf and cotyledon explants, but not on hypocotyl explants. The derived callus was placed on MS + BAP or MS + BAP + NAA for shoot regeneration. Both shoots and roots regenerated from callus placed in the dark but not in the light; the frequency of shoot regeneration was 5% or less. Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS macronutrient salts (1/3 concentration), micronutrients, i-inositol, thiamine HCl, sucrose and agar with or without indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), or NAA under a light intensity of 5.0 W.m^-2 (16 h per day). Auxin concentration strongly influenced root morphology.