A reproducible procedure for plant regeneration from seedling hypocotyl protoplasts of Vigna sublobata L.

Viable protoplasts of Vigna sublobata L. were isolated enzymatically from hypocotyls of axenic seedlings. Protoplast yields were dependent upon seedling age, with maximum yields (2.25 ± 0.35 × 10⁶ g fwt^–1) from seedlings aged 6 d. Protoplasts regenerated cell walls and underwent sustained divisions when cultured in either agarose-solidified or liquid K8P medium. The plating density affected the division frequency and plating efficiency; the division frequency (68 ±0 6.0%) was maximum at 4.0 × 10⁴ ml^–1 while plating efficiency was maximum (1.3 ± 0.1%) at 5.0 × 10⁴ ml^–1. Dividing protoplasts developed into microcalli, which produced glossy green compact nodular calli on transfer to 8.0 gl^–1 w/v agar-solidified medium containing MS salts, B5 organic components, 30 g l^–1 sucrose, NAA (0.2–0.5 mg l^–1), zeatin riboside (0.5–2.0 mg l^–1) and GA₃ (0.5–1.0 mg l^–1). These calli, after sub-culture on the same medium, produced shoot buds which underwent elongation following transfer of tissues to 6.0 g l^–1 agar-solidified B5 medium containing 30g l^–1 sucrose, IBA (0.01 mg l^–1) and BAP (1.0 mg l^–1). Elongated shoots developed roots after transfer to 8.0g l^–1 agar-solidified, hormone-free MS medium with 30 g l^–1 sucrose.Abbreviations IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - BAP 6-benzyladenine or benzylaminopurine - B5 medium after Gamborg et al (1968) - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA³ gibberellic acid - 2,i-P 6-(--dimethylallylamino) purine - MS medium after Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid     

The control of in vitro direct main stem formation of Lilium longiflorum derived from receptacle culture, and rapid propagation by using in vitro stem nodes

The control of in vitro direct main stem formation by culturing receptacles, and a protocol for the micropropagation of Lilium longiflorum using in vitro main stem nodes derived from receptacle culture were developed. Receptacles from flowers cultured on MS medium containing 1.0 mg l^–1 gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 0.5 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine (BA) resulted in direct main stem formation after 3 months culture. These stems were isolated and cut into nodal stem segments, which were then cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l^–1 BA. Shoots formed on each node after one month culture. These shoots were subcultured on MS medium containing 0.5 mg l^–1 BA for their mass propagation. An average of 30 vigorous and uniform shoots were formed per single shoot after each subculture. A cyclic and continuous system of propagation by multiplication of shoots was developed. Shoots were rooted on 1/2 MS medium containing 0.2 mg l^–1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). One hundred plantlets that were acclimatized in the greenhouse had a 100% survival. A comparison was made with the traditional culture of explants derived from bulb-scales and with that from main stems.     

Improved isolated microspore culture efficiency in medium with maltose and optimized growth regulator combination in japonica rice (Oryza sativa)

The influence of maltose and growth regulators on microspore culture response was investigated in japonica rice. High frequency of callus induction of isolated microspores was obtained with liquid medium containing MS salts, 100 mg l^–1 myo-inositol, 1 mg l^–1 thiamine-HCl, 500 mg l^–1 glutamine, 60 g l^–1 maltose, and several growth regulators. The effect of maltose on promoting callus formation was associated with keeping a high proportion of swollen microspores after 5 day preculture and increasing the microspore division rate on the 3rd day after culture initiation. No significant effect of maltose in place of sucrose on plantlet regeneration was seen in regeneration medium. Among the growth regulators tested, the combination of auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (1 mg l^–1), naphthaleneacetic acid (1 mg l^–1), and cytokinin (6-benzyl-aminopurine 1 mg l^–1) in the medium proved to be much better for callus formation than in the other media, and the percentage of callusing microspores of that medium reached 0.86%. Indole-3-acetic acid (0.5 mg l^–1) and kinetin (2 mg l^–1) in regeneration medium were beneficial for green plantlet differentiation. The results also showed that the frequencies of microspores initial division, callus formation and green plant regeneration varied among genotypes no matter what kind of growth regulator and sugar were used. Xiushui 117 was the best variety for callusing followed by 02428 & Taipei 309. Taipei 309 showed a good ability for green plantlet regeneration.Abbreviations 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - 6-BA 6-benzylaminopurine - KT kinetin - IAA indole-3 acetic acid     

Development of morphogenic suspension cultures of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Rapidly growing, regenerable suspension cultures were obtained from meristem-derived callus cultures of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The liquid culture medium consisted of MS salts, B5 vitamins, 3% sucrose, 1 mg l^–1 naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA) and 2 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine (BA). The tissue in the suspension culture was yellow, smooth, organized, and proliferated as nodular clumps. Histological examination revealed that these morphogenic clumps had a well-defined epidermis. Following transfer of the morphogenic clumps to an agar-solidified medium, numerous meristems with green leaf primordia were produced.     

In vitro production of sedative galphimine B by cell suspension cultures of Galphimia glauca

The sedative triterpene, galphimine B (1), was detected in cell suspension-batch cultures of Galphimia glauca. The effect of inoculum size, growth regulators and different concentrations of sucrose, nitrates and phosphates was evaluated. A two-stage batch process for biomass production and accumulation of compound 1 was established. Major cellular growth (15 g l^–1 dry wt) was obtained in the first stage with naphthaleneacetic acid (2 mg l^–1) + kinetin (2 mg l^–1). Adding 4 mg 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic l^–1 acid in the second stage resulted in the highest accumulation of 1 (0.21 mg g^–1 dry wt) which was 36% higher with respect to calluses and comparable to that obtained from wild plants.     

In vitro micropropagation of a Cucurbita interspecific hybrid cultivar – a root stock plant

An efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol was developed for direct shoot growth of interspecific Cucurbita hybrid variety using shoot–tips of 5-day-old explants. The excised shoot–tips were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing two plant growth regulators (6-benzyladenine and naphthaleneacetic acid) with various combinations and concentrations for the study of shoot induction. The best condition for shoot growth was with 3 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine (BA) in MS medium. The shooting frequency was 84% and five shoots were obtained from each explant after 30 days of culture. Shoots (11.5 cm length) were rooted most effectively in 1 mg l^–1 indole-3 butyric acid (IBA)-supplemented MS medium. The highest root formation rate was 93% and all rooted shoots were transplanted into soil.     

Establishment of Orthosiphon stamineus Cell Suspension Culture for Cell Growth

Callus of Orthosiphon stamineus could be induced successfully from petiole, leaf and stem tissues but not roots when cultured on MS medium containing different concentration of NAA (0–4.0 mg l^–1) and 2,4-D (0–2.0 mg l^–1). Highest fresh weight callus production was obtained from leaf explants and those with best friability were obtained on MS medium plus 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D plus 1.0 mg l^–1 NAA. Cell suspension cultures were established from these cultures. The appropriate cell inoculum size for the best cell growth was 0.75 g of cells in 20 ml culture medium. Cell suspension culture using MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D promoted the best cell growth with maximum biomass of 8.609 g fresh weight and 0.309 g dry weight 24 days after inoculation. Cells that grew in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D reached the stationary growth phase in 15 days as compared to the cells that grew in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D + 1.0 mg l^–1 NAA reached the stationary phase in 24 days. MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 2,4-D was considered as the maintenance medium for maintaining the optimum cell growth of O. stamineus in the cell suspension cultures with 2-week interval subculture.     

Production potential of eicosapentaenoic acid by the diatom Nitzschia laevis

To investigate the production potential of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by the diatom Nitzschia laevis, the growth characteristics and fatty acid composition of the cells were studied under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions of growth. The specific growth rate and maximum biomass concentration were respectively 0.466 d^–1 and 2.27 g l^–1 for mixotrophic culture, 0.344 d^–1 and 2.04 g l^–1 for heterotrophic culture, and 0.167 d^–1 and 0.5 g l^–1 for photoautotrophic culture, respectively. As for EPA production, the yield and productivity were respectively 52.32 mg l^–1 and 10.46 mg l^–1 d for mixotrophic culture, 35.08 mg l^–1 and 6.37 mg l^–1 d for heterotrophic culture, and 6.78 mg l^–1 and 3.39 mg l^–1 d for photoautotrophic culture, respectively. Results suggest that mixotrophic culture is the most suitable growth mode for the production of EPA by the diatom Nitzschia laevis. The results are useful for the development of a cost-effective fermentation process for EPA production by Nitzschia laevis.     

In vitro multiplication ofVanilla planifolia using axillary bud explants

A clonal propagation method has been developed for efficient multiplication ofVanilla planifolia. Multiple shoots were developed from axillary bud explants using semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with N⁶-benzyladenine (BA, 2 mg l^–1) and -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 1 mg l^–1). The multiple shoots were transferred to agitated liquid MS medium with BA at 1 mg l^–1 and NAA at 0.5 mg l^–1 for 2–3 weeks, and subsequently cultured on semi-solid medium. Using this method, an average of 42 shoots were obtained from a single axillary bud explant over a period of 134 days. Use of an intervening liquid medium has been found to enhance multiplication of shoots inV. planifolia.Abbreviations BA N⁶-benzyladenine - DMRT Duncan's multiple-range test - KC Knudson (1946) medium - KCB KC basal medium - Kn kinetin - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium - MSB MS basal medium - 1/2 MSB half-strength MSB - MS-D double-phase MS medium - MS-L liquid MS medium - MS-S semi-solid MS medium - NAA -Naphthaleneacetic acid     

Effects of ascorbic acid on axillary shoot induction in Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merrill.

A procedure for rapid in vitro multiplication of Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merrill., an important indigenous medicinal plant, has been developed. Addition of ascorbic acid was essential to induce sprouting of axillary buds. Optimum multiplication was observed on MS medium containing 6-benzylamino purine (5.0 mg l^–1), -naphathalene-acetic acid (0.5 mg l^–1) and ascorbic acid (100 mg l^–1). Rooting of in vitro produced shoots was readily achieved with indole-3-acetic acid alone (1.0 mg l^–1) in MS. The plantlets thus obtained were successfully transferred to pots in large numbers which grew normally.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylamino purine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - 2ip 2-isopentenyladenine - Kn kinetin - MS Murashige & Skoog media - NAA -naphthalene acetic acid     

Micropropagation of zedoary (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Curcuma zedoaria</Emphasis> Roscoe) – a valuable medicinal plant

Tissue culture propagation system was developed for zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe), a valuable medicinal plant, using rhizome sprout cultures. Shoots were induced from rhizomes on basal MS medium containing 20 g l^–1 sucrose and 5 g l^–1 agar, supplemented with 20 (v/v) coconut water (CW) and benzylaminopurine (BA) concentrations from 0.5 to 5.0 m g l^–1. The excised shoots were subcultured on Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium with 20 (v/v) CW and different concentrations of BA and kinetin (Kin), either alone or in combination with indolebutyric acid (IBA) or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). MS medium with 20 (v/v) CW, 3 mg l^–1 BA, and 0.5 mg l^–1 IBA resulted in a multiplication rate per shoot; 5.6 shoots per explant were obtained on average after 30 days of culture. Well-developed shoots (30–40 mm in length) were rooted on MS medium containing 20 g l^–1 sucrose and 8 g l^–1 agar, supplemented with 20 (v/v) CW and 2 mg l^–1 NAA. More than 95 of the rooted plants were established in pots after hardening.     

Culture conditions of tannase production by Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum produced an extracellular tannase after 24 h growth on minimal medium of amino acids containing 2 g tannic acid l^–1. Enzyme production (6 U ml^–1) was optimal at 37 °C and pH 6 with 2 g glucose l^–1 and 7 g tannic acid l^–1 in absence of O₂.     

Plant regeneration from callus cultures of Piper longum L. by organogenesis

Plant regeneration from callus cultures of Piper longum was achieved through organogenesis. In vitro grown shoots were used as explants for callus induction. Competent callus was initiated around the nodal ring of tissue using Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg.l^–1- naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.2 mg.l^–1 N⁶-benzyladenine. Optimum growth regulator concentrations for shoot induction and shoot elongation were found to be 0.5 mg.l^–1 indole-3-acetic acid with 1.5 mg.l^–1 benzyladenine, and 0.1 mg.l^–1 indole-3-acetic acid with 0.2 mg.l^–1 benzyladenine, respectively. Elongated shoots were rooted on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium having 0.1 mg.l^–1 indole3-acetic acid. The rooted plants were successfully established in soil.Abbreviations BA, N⁶ Benzyladenine - 2, 4-D 2, 4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - 2iP 2-isopentenyladenine - Kn Kinetin - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA -Naphthaleneacetic acid     

Optimization of glycerol feeding for clavulanic acid production by Streptomyces clavuligerus with glycerol feeding

Glycerol at 10–20 g l^–1 increased clavulanic acid production by Streptomyces clavuligerus in shake-flask culture. The biosynthesis of clavulanic acid continued for longer by feeding glycerol and production increased to 250 mg l^–1 compared with 115 mg l^–1 without feeding. In fermenter batch culture, degradation of clavulanic acid began after 72 h. With glycerol feeding in fed-batch culture, clavulanic acid production was not only increased further to about 280 mg l^–1 but also remained stable up to 130 h.     

Evaluation of the potential of Aspergillus niger species for the bioconversion of L-phenylalanine into 2-phenylethanol

Aspergillus niger was explored, for the first time, for the production of 2-phenylethanol (a rose-like aroma) using L-phenylalanine as precursor. Among the strains screened, A. niger CMICC 298302 was shown to produce, in a culture medium containing 6 g L-phenylalanine l^–1 and 60 g glucose l^–1, 1375 mg 2-phenylethanol l^–1 with a productivity of 153 mg l^–1 day^–1 and a molar yield of 74%. 2-Phenylethanol concentrations of 1 to 2 g l^–1 led to a two-fold and ten-fold decrease, respectively, in the mycelial radial growth rate. However, 2-phenylethanol was synthesized as the sole aromatic product and accumulated in the culture broth.     

Effect of medium acidity on growth and rooting of different plant species growing in vitro

Micropropagated Choisya, Daphne, Delphinium, Hemerocallis, Hosta, Iris and Photinia were found to adjust the pH of Murashige and Skoog's plant tissue culture medium (initial pH 5.6 or 3.5) to different values depending on the species. When plant growth and rooting rates were determined after plants had been grown on media initially adjusted or buffered to values between 2.6 and 5.7 the different plant species were also found to have distinct pH requirements for optimal growth and/or rooting rates.Abbreviations MS Murashige & Skoog's (1962) medium - MS19 MS with additionally 10 g l^–1 sucrose - 80 mg l^–1 adenine sulphate and 130.9 mg l^–1 NaH₂PO₄ - BA 6-benzyladenine - NAA 1-naphthyl-acetic acid - IBA 3-indole-butyric acid - IAA 3-indole-acetic acid - 2iP N₆(2-isopentyl) adenine     

Organogenesis and embryogenesis inHelianthus tuberosus and in the interspecific hybridHelianthus annuus ×Helianthus tuberosus

A method of plant regeneration from cotyledons ofHelianthus tuberosus, Helianthus annuus ×Helianthus tuberosus and for the backcross of the interspecific hybrids onH. annuus was developed. Induction of somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from anther culture of the interspecific hybridsH. annuus ×H. tuberosus is reported.Cotyledons were cultured on Murashige and Skoog basal medium (MS) supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) or N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Shoot regeneration occurred on most of the media tested, but the best results were obtained on media with a high concentration of cytokinins (BAP or kinetin: 4 mg l^–1) and lower concentration of auxin (IAA: 0.5–1 mg l^–1).Embryogenic callus and adventitious buds were initiated from only two anthers of the hybridH. annuus ×H. tuberosus cultured on the MS medium containing BAP (0.2 mg l^–1) and 1-naphtalenacetic acid (NAA: 0.1 mg l^–1). Prolonged culture of these embryogenic calli and buds on the original medium with successive subculture on MS basal medium without growth regulators resulted in embryo formation and shoot differentiation. The plantlets, after rooting, were established in soil.     

Efficient callus induction and plant regeneration from anther of Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem)

Callus culture has, to date, been reported only in a few species of Narcissus. We used anthers of Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem) as explants for callus induction and plant regeneration. A high percentage of anthers at the early- to mid-uninucleate microspore stage were responsive on the basal MS medium supplemented with 0.5–1 mg l^–1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.5–2 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine under dark conditions. Calli were initiated from anther connective tissue or anther wall tissue, and no division of microspores occurred during callus formation, as determined by histological observation. Using 20 random amplified polymorphic DNA primers, we verified the genetic integrity of the anther-derived plants of Chinese narcissus with respect to the donor plants. These results suggest that anther culture in vitro can provide an efficient new micropropagation technique for Chinese narcissus as well as a new strategy for in vitro mass propagation of other daffodils.     

Enhancement of lactic acid production with ram horn peptone by Lactobacillus casei

Ram horns are a waste material from the meat industry. The use of ram horn peptone (RHP) as a supplement for lactic acid production was investigated using Lactobacillus casei. For this purpose, first, RHP was produced. Ram horns were hydrolysed by treating with acids (3 M H₂SO₄ and 6 M HCl) and neutralizing the solutions to yield ram horn hydrolysate (RHH). The RHH was evaporated to yield RHP. The amounts of protein, nitrogen, ash, some minerals, total sugars, total lipids and amino acids of the RHP were determined and compared with a bacto-tryptone from casein. When the concentrations (1–6% w/v) of the RHP were used in bacterial growth medium as a supplement, 2% RHP (ram horn peptone medium) had a maximum influence on the production of lactic acid by L. casei. The content of lactic acid in the culture broth containing 2% RHP (43 g l^–1) grown for 24 h was 30% higher than that of the control culture broth (33 g l^–1) and 10% higher than that of 2% bacto-tryptone (39 g l^–1). RHP was demonstrated to be a suitable supplement for production of lactic acid. This RHP may prove to be a valuable supplement in fermentation technology.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Anthurium andraeanum hybrids

Summary A method for the production of somatic embryos and subsequent plant regeneration for Anthurium andraeanum Linden ex André (Monocotyledonae) hybrids is described. Whole leaf blade explants, derived from plantlets grown in vitro, formed translucent embryogénic calli at their basal ends within one month of culture in the dark. Secondary somatic embryos formed frequently and without an intervening callus on surfaces of primary embryos. Embryogenesis was induced with three genotypes using a modified half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 to 4.0 mg l^–1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.33 to 1.0 mg l^–1 kinetin. A combination of 2% sucrose with 1% glucose in the medium favored embryogenesis over 3% sucrose alone. Whole leaf blades on medium solidified with 0.18% Gelrite produced more somatic embryos than leaves on medium with 0.7% Bacto-agar. Within two to three months after culture initiation, embryos were transferred to modified MS medium containing 0.2 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 2% sucrose and placed in the light for conversion into plantlets. Rooted plantlets were recovered and transferred into pots with tree fern fiber medium and grown in the greenhouse.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - 2,4-D 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BA 6-benzyladenine