Plant regeneration from embryo-derived tissue cultures of soybeans

Summary Routine regeneration of fertile plants from a tissue culture of soybean has been achieved. Serially propagated embryogenic cultures were initiated from immature embryos of many genotypes. Organized tissues developed only on the cotyledons of embryos. Genotypic variation in the frequency of initiation of embryogenic tissue was noted. However, embryogenic tissue cultures were generated from all genotypes tested. Embryogenic tissue was serially increased and underwent morphogenesis. Whole fertile plants were recovered. Cultures have been maintained for two years without loss of morphogenic competency. Editor's Statement This procedure for initiating embryogenic tissue cultures from commerical cultivars of soybean and the subsequent development of fertile plants establishes a framework for studying the processes of embryogenesis and embryogenyin vitro as well as providing a system for tissue culture propagation and in vitro modification of soybean. Robert B. Horsch