Alginate-based solid media for plant tissue culture

Summary A new method for solid medium plant tissue culture based on in situ gelation of alginate is proposed as an alternative to agar-based media. In situ gelation by the use of dispersed CaCO₃ and the slowly hydrolysing acid glucono--lactone (GDL) was the basis for the use of alginate as a gelling agent. Inexpensive alginate-based media can be made in a wide range of pH values. Biological tests of these gels, concerning sterile seed growth and microcalli plating of Brassica napus (cv. Topas) and biomass production of Panax ginseng callus, showed results equal to those achieved with agar-based gels.