Shoot regeneration from cotyledonary leaf explants of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis>: a biodiesel plant

A simple, high frequency, and reproducible method for plant regeneration through direct organogenesis from cotyledonary leaf explants of Jatropha curcas was developed using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ) or 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP). Medium containing TDZ has greater influence on regeneration as compared to BAP. The induced shoot buds were transferred to MS medium containing 10 μM kinetin (Kn), 4.5 μM BAP, and 5.5 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for shoot proliferation. The proliferated shoots could be elongated on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), NAA, and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). MS medium with 2.25 μM BAP and 8.5 μM IAA was found to be the best combination for shoot elongation. However, significant differences in plant regeneration and shoot elongation were observed among the genotypes studied. Rooting was achieved when the basal cut end of elongated shoots were dipped in half strength MS liquid medium containing different concentrations and combinations of IBA, IAA, and NAA for 4 days, followed by transfer to growth regulators free half strength MS medium supplemented 0.25 mg l⁻¹ activated charcoal. Elongated shoot treated with 15 μM IBA, 5.7 μM IAA, and 11 μM NAA resulted in highest percent rooting. The rooted plants could be established in soil with more than 90% survival rate. The method developed may be useful in improvement of J. curcas through genetic modification.     

Auxin Synergists in Rooting of Cuttings

Leafy cuttings of Eranthemum tricolor were treated with tannic acid, gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic acid at the concentrations of 1000, 100, 10 and 1 nig/1 for 24 hours, whereafter they were dipped quickly in a 1000 mg/l solution of IAA, IBA and NAA for ten seconds. None of the phenolics showed any root promoting effect when used singly. In combination with NAA and IBA tannic acid promoted rooting, however, with IAA there was no effect to be seen. Gallic acid also markedly increased the number of roots of cuttings treated with NAA and IBA. Even in this case there was no effect with IAA. Synergism was also recorded between p-hydroxybenzoic acid and IAA or NAA but not with IBA. Salicylic acid greatly promoted rooting in combination with both IAA, IBA and NAA.     

Efficient in vitro regeneration of fireweed,a medicinal plant

Epilobium angustifolium L. (fireweed) is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat diarrhea, mucous colitis, irritable-bowel syndrome, skin problems, prostate problems, menstrual disorders, asthma, whooping cough, and hiccups. A highly efficient and rapid regeneration system via multiple shoot formation was developed for fireweed. Explants (leaf, petiole, root, and stem segments) excised from sterile seedlings were cultured on medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of various plant growth regulators. Explant browning, a major problem for regeneration, was overcome by adding 100 mg/l ascorbic acid to all prepared media containing growth regulator combinations. Root explants formed more shoots than other explants. Best shoot proliferation was obtained from root explants cultured on media with 0.1 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l IAA. Regenerated shoots were transferred to rooting media containing different concentrations of IAA, IBA, NAA or 2,4-D. Most shoots developed roots on medium with 0.5 mg/l IAA. Rooted explants were transferred to vermiculate in Magenta containers for acclimatization and after 3 weeks they were planted in to plastic pots containing potting soil and maintained in the plant growth room.     

Effects of phytohormones on mycelial growth and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis of medicinal mushroom <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pellinus linteus</Emphasis>

Effects of phytohormones including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthalentacetic acid (NAA) on mycelial growth of medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus were investigated. Under the optimal IAA, IBA and NAA concentration of 1.0, 1.5 and 5.0 mg/l, the maximal mycelial diameter reached 8.6 ± 0.4, 7.3 ± 2.6 and 9.0 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The mycelial biomass and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production with addition of 5.0 mg/l NAA in a shake flask were 6.24 ± 0.18 g/l at 168 h and 0.86 ±0.01 g/l at 192 h, which were enhanced by 15.98 and 56.36% compared to the control, respectively. However, the molecular weight and infrared spectrum of EPS were coincident with the control. Results indicated that NAA at the proper concentration was beneficial in stimulating mycelial growth and EPS biosynthesis, whereas it could not alter the molecular structure of EPS. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Micropropagation of Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) MacBride var. latifolia Roxb.

Bud break and multiple shoots were induced in apical and axillary meristems derived from 10-d old seedlings of Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) singly or in combinatiobn with 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Excised shoots were rooted on half-strength MS with IBA (1.0 mg/l) after 18d of culture. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to soil.Abbreviations BA N⁶ benzyladenine - KN kinetin - ADS adenine sulphate - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - IAA indole3-acetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium     

Plant regeneration through callus cultures derived from immature-cotyledon explants of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.)

Efficient plant regeneration was achieved from callus derived from immature-cotyledon explants of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.). Calli were obtained on MS media containing 3% sucrose and different concentrations of TDZ. The highest rate of green, compact and nodular callus was formed on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l of TDZ. Shoot organogenesis was achieved when the callus was transferred onto MS media containing 3% sucrose and BA alone (05–4 mg/l) or BA (0.5 and 1 mg/l) combined with NAA or IAA (0.5 and 1 mg/l). Maximum organogenesis was obtained with 1 mg/l BA in combination with 0.5 mg/l NAA. Rooting of the shoots was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/l IBA. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transplanted to soil.     

Rapid clonal multiplication of Angelonia salicariefolia through tissue culture

Nodal explants of Angelonia salicariefolia were cultured on MS basal medium and induced to form shoots when supplemented with either Kn (1.0 mg/l) or BAP (1.0 mg/l). Rooted shoots were formed in response to Kn+NAA (1.0 mg/l+0.5 mg/l). Subcultures of the shoots of these cultures grown on the same medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l of NAA, IAA or IBA, together with lowered concentrations of inorganic salts, induced root formation in 20–30 days. Up to 18×10³ plants were produced from one plant in less than a month. Successful transfer of regenerants into soil has been accomplished.     

Possible role of N-malonyl-D-tryptophan as an auxin precursor

N-malonyl-D-tryptophan (MT) and D-tryptophan added to the medium instead of auxin stimulated growth of soybean and tomato cell and tissue cultures. Effects of 50–100 μmol 1^-1 MT and 100 –300 μmol 1^-1 D-tryptophan were equal to the effect of 3–10 μmol 1^-1 IAA. Soybean cells grown in the presence of 100 μmol 1^-1 MT contained 125–170 ng IAA per 1 g fresh mass (as determined by spectrofluorimetric indole-α-pyrone method), whereas the cells grown in the presence of NAA 10. 7 μmol 1^-1 contained 50 –60 ng IAA and the cells grown in the absence of auxin failed to show endogenous IAA. MT as proposed can be hydrolyzed by plant cells with liberation of D-tryptophan, which in turn can be used in IAA synthesis. It is proposed that MT is a possible source of endogenous auxin in plants.     

Highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and plant regeneration system for genome engineering in tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable and nutritious crop plant worldwide. They are rich sources of several indispensable compounds such as lycopene, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, essential amino acids, and bioactive polyphenols. Plant regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system from different explants in various genotypes of tomato are necessary for genetic improvement. Among diverse plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations and concentrations tested, Zeatin (ZEA) at 2.0 mg l^?1 in combination with 0.1 mg l^?1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) generated the most shoots/explant from the cotyledon of Arka Vikas (36.48 shoots/explant) and PED (24.68 shoots/explant), respectively. The hypocotyl explant produced 28.76 shoots/explant in Arka Vikas and 19.44 shoots/explant in PED. In contrast, leaf explant induced 23.54 shoots/explant in Arka Vikas and 17.64 shoots/explant in PED. The obtained multiple shoot buds from three explant types were elongated on a medium fortified with Gibberellic acid (GA₃) (1.0 mg l^?1), IAA (0.5 mg l^?1), and ZEA (0.5 mg l^?1) in both the cultivars. The rooting was observed on a medium amended with 0.5 mg l^?1 indole 3-butyric acid (IBA). The transformation efficiency was significantly improved by optimizing the pre-culture of explants, co-cultivation duration, bacterial density and infection time, and acetosyringone concentration. The presence of transgenes in the plant genome was validated using different methods like histochemical GUS assay, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Southern blotting. The transformation efficiency was 42.8% in PED and 64.6% in Arka Vikas. A highly repeatable plant regeneration protocol was established by manipulating various plant growth regulators (PGRs) in two tomato cultivars (Arka Vikas and PED). The Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method was optimized using different explants like cotyledon, hypocotyl, and leaf of two tomato genotypes. The present study could be favourable to transferring desirable traits and precise genome editing techniques to develop superior tomato genotypes.     

An efficient protocol for micropropagation of lemon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus limon</Emphasis>) from mature nodal segments

The influence of the basal medium and different plant growth regulators on micropropagation of nodal explants from mature trees of lemon cultivars was investigated. Although the basal medium did not affect any of the variables, explants on DKW medium were greener. Several combinations of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA) were used to optimise the proliferation phase. The number of shoots was dependent on the BA and GA concentrations and the best results were obtained with 2 mg l⁻¹ BA and 1 or 2 mg l⁻¹ GA. Explants length was shorter with the higher BA concentrations and, in all genotypes, shoot length was greater with 2 mg l⁻¹ GA. The best results for productivity (number of shoots × the average shoot length) were obtained with 2 mg l⁻¹ BA and 2 mg l⁻¹ GA, although explants with chlorosis and narrow leaves were observed. The presence of BA and GA in the proliferation medium was essential for the explant multiplication but GA had a greater influence. The transfer of in vitro shoots to rooting media, containing different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) produced complete plantlets. Lemon shoots rooted well in all rooting combinations. The highest rooting percentages were obtained on media containing 3 mg l⁻¹ IBA alone or IBA in combination with 1 mg l⁻¹ IAA and on these media the highest numbers of roots were produced. The average root length was affected significantly by the IBA and IAA concentrations. Root length was greater when only 3 mg l⁻¹ IBA was used, and in this rooting medium explants had a better appearance, with greener and larger leaves. The success during the acclimatisation was close to 100% and the plantlets exhibited normal growth in soil under greenhouse conditions.     

In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.: a multipurpose tree legume

In vitro regeneration of Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. has been achieved using cotyledonary node explants. The ability to produce multiple shoots has been evaluated using semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium and Gamborg’s B-5 basal medium supplemented with various concentrations of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) either in single or in combinations. The explants cultured in MS medium supplemented with combinations of 2.7 μM NAA and 11 μM BA showed the maximum frequency of multiple shoots (96.66%) formation and number of shoots per explants (6.60), respectively. For rooting, full and half strength MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and NAA were studied and the highest number of root formation was observed in full-strength MS supplemented with 9.8 μM IBA. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 pCAMBIA2301 various optimum conditions for efficient transformation were determined by recording the percentage of GUS⁺ explants. Following the optimized conditions, the co-cultured explants were cultured on semi-solid shoot regeneration medium containing MS medium + 2.7 μM NAA + 11 μM BA + 100 mg/l kanamycin + 500 mg/l cefotaxime. After 8 weeks of culture, the regenerated shoots were rooted in rooting medium (RM) containing MS medium + 9.8 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 3% sucrose, 7.5 mg/l kanamycin and 500 mg/l cefotaxime. Successful transformation was confirmed by histochemical GUS activity of the regenerated shoots, nptII gene PCR analyses of the regenerated kanamycin resistant plantlets and Southern analysis of putative transgenic PCR⁺ plants.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf derived callus of winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.]

Somatic embryos were obtained from callus cultures derived from leaf explants of the winged bean, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC. Initiation and development of the somatic embryos occurred with a two-step culture method. Callus cultures initiated on MS medium with NAA and BAP, upon transfer to a new medium with IAA and BAP, produced somatic embryos. Maximum embryogenesis of 60% was obtained on induction medium with 0.5 mg/l NAA plus 1.0 mg/l BAP followed by transfer to a secondary medium with 0.1 mg/l IAA and 2.0 mg/l BAP. Optimal embryo germination and plantlet development was achieved on MS medium with 0.2 mg/l BAP plus 0.1 mg/l IBA. The regenerated plants were successfully transferred to glasshouse conditions.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - IBA Indole-3-butyric acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - KN Kinetin     

In vitro plant regeneration from cotyledon and hypocotyl segments in two bell pepper cultivars

In vitro plant regeneration has been obtained from Capsicum annuum cvs. Pico and Piquillo. Shootbuds were induced from hypocotyl and cotyledon segments after 15–20 days of culture on MS basal medium supplemented with IAA and BAP or Zeatin. Shoot-buds grew into rosettes that rooted in MS plus NAA (0.1 mg/l) and IBA (0.05 mg/l) after 15 days. The small plantlets were successfully transferred to pots with a mixture of peat and perlite and maintained under greenhouse conditions. Elongation took place when the plantlets were growing in the greenhouse.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - Kn Kinetin - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA alpha-naphthalenacetic acid - Z Zeatin     

Effect of auxins and plant oligosaccharides on root formation and elongation growth of mung bean hypocotyls

The interaction of auxins – IAA, IBA or NAA – with galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides (GGMOs) on adventitious root formation and elongation growth of mung bean hypocotyl cuttings was studied. GGMOs induced adventitious roots in the absence of auxins; however, their effect was lower compared with IBA or NAA. On the other hand, in the presence of auxins, GGMOs inhibited adventitious root induction. Their effect depended on the concentration of oligosaccharides and the type of auxin used. The highest inhibition effect of GGMOs at a concentration of 10⁻⁸ M in the presence of IBA and NAA was observed. In the presence of IAA their inhibition was non-significant in regard to the concentration. The interaction of auxins with GGMOs resulted in the formation of adventitious roots on a shorter part of hypocotyls compared with the effect of auxins alone. However, roots were induced more extensively along the hypocotyls treated with GGMOs compared with the control. GGMOs inhibited the length of induced adventitious roots in the presence of IAA, while in combination with IBA or NAA they were ineffective. The elongation of hypocotyls induced by IAA or IBA was inhibited by GGMOs, too. However, in the presence of NAA or by endogenous growth they were without any significant effect on elongation growth. These findings suggest that GGMOs in certain concentrations might inhibit rooting and the elongation process dependant on auxin used.     

TDZ-induced high frequency plant regeneration through multiple shoot formation in witloof chicory (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cichorium intybus</Emphasis> L.)

A very efficient and rapid regeneration system via multiple shoot formation was developed for Cichorium intybus L. when leaf explants excised from sterile seedlings were cultured on medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of various plant growth regulators. In a comparison of leaf lamina and petiole explants, lamina explants produced over three times more shoots than petiole explants, with a mean of 7.5 shoots compared to 2.4. Of the combinations of KIN/IAA, KIN/NAA, BAP/IAA, or BAP/NAA, 0.5 mg l⁻¹ KIN combined with 0.3 mg l⁻¹ IAA was the most effective, producing a mean of 19.7 shoots per lamina explant while the control treatment involving no plant growth regulators produced no shoots at all. When either cytokinin was used alone, BAP was found nearly twice more successful than KIN. However, the most effective treatment of all was the combination of 0.01 mg l⁻¹ TDZ and 1.0 mg l⁻¹ IAA, producing as many as 35.8 shoots per lamina explant. This rate of shoot regeneration is remarkably higher than those previously reported for C. intybus, most likely due to the highly inductive effect of TDZ, which was tested for the first time in this species. Rooting of the shoots was readily achieved on medium containing different concentrations of IAA or IBA. IAA was more effective than IBA and resulted in the highest frequency of shoots that rooted (100%) and mean number of roots per shoot (4.2) when used at 0.5 mg l⁻¹. Hardening off process resulted in a production of more than 80% healthy plantlets.     

Influence of different treatments and techniques on rooting behaviour of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. In Indian Himalayas

Rhododendron arboreum Sm. a wild flowering tree is on the verge of extinction from natural habitat due to overexploitation of its flowers and slow regeneration rate. The objective of this research was to explore the effective method for propagation of this species vegetatively, therefore, to maintain its genetic identity and population. In this context, effectiveness of vegetative propagation methods like FRI-Wire Technique and Air Layering in combination with root promoting hormones such as Indole 3- Butyric Acid (IBA), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Napthelene Acetic Acid (NAA) at concentration of 1000 ppm (ppm), 2500 ppm and 5000 ppm each were evaluated through well designed experiments. Air Layering method failed to produce roots on this species, whereas, FRI-Wire Technique showed a remarkable success for rooting in the month of April with hormones IAA and NAA at 1000 ppm and 2500 ppm concentrations and no response from IBA. Branch sizes of length 45--51 cm, when treated with 2500 ppm IAA concentration performed significantly better and produced 66.66% rooting in comparison to other treatments with the technique.     

Effect of auxins on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Karwinskia humboldtiana</Emphasis> root cultures

Effects of auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA) on K. humboldtiana root culture cultivated in 16-h photoperiod or in dark have been observed. Light affected positively the production of biomass when cultivated on medium supplemented with NAA in 10 and 25 mol ^–1 concentrations. In the presence of IAA and IBA these values were significantly lower. The growth dynamics of root cultures depended on the auxin used. The best adventitious roots elongation and lateral roots induction on media supplemented with IBA has been ascertained. Morphological and anatomical differences in dependence on auxin used were observed. NAA supported the formation of huge callus-like mass besides mostly very short roots, especially under the light. Similarly IAA induced short roots, and IBA seems to be the most effective substance for the root elongation in this model system. NAA induced roots with larger diameter under the light compared with the other two auxins used. The reason is in the different anatomical structure of roots which was characterized by higher number of cell layers and large intercellulars in the cortex. The shape of cortical cells in the presence of IBA depended on the light conditions. Isodiametric cortical cells were present in roots cultivated in 16-h photoperiod, irregularly-shaped cells in the dark. The effect of light conditions was the smallest in the case of roots grown on IAA enriched media.     

Rapid and efficient plant regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts of Brassica carinata

Protoplasts were isolated from hypocotyls of 7-d-old seedlings of three genotypes of Brassica carinata after enzymatic digestion in cellulase R-10 (0.5%) and pectolyase Y-23 (0.025%). The protoplasts were stabilized with 0.4 M mannitol used as osmoticum, and were cultured in darkness in Kao's liquid medium containing 0.4 M glucose and the growth regulators 2,4-D (1.0 mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and zeatin riboside (0.5 mg/l). Protoplasts were transferred to 16 h photoperiod conditions after 3 d of dark culture, and the medium was diluted to reduce the osmoticum on the seventh and tenth days of culture. Microcolonies were thus obtained which, upon transfer to MS agarose medium with 2,4-D (0.1 mg/l), BAP (1 mg/l) and 0.1 M sucrose, proliferated further to produce callus clumps. The plating efficiency of the three genotypes varied from 1 to 2%. Calli 2–3 mm in diameter were transferred to MS agarose plates with zeatin (2 mg/l) where they produced shoot buds and shoots with frequencies ranging from 22.5 to 74.2% for the three genotypes. The shoots were rooted in medium with IBA (1 mg/l) and were then established in soil. The time required for protoplast to plant development was 8 to 10 weeks.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - IBA Indole-3-butyric acid - NAA -naphthalene acetic acid - BAP 6-Benzylaminopurine - KN Kinetin - 2IP 6-(Gamma, gamma-dimethylallyl-amino)purine     

Clonal propagation byin vitro culture of Corchorus (jute)

Callus was produced on cotyledon, shoot tip, hypocotyl and root explants of twoCorchorus species on several media. Cytokinin was necessary for callus production on cotyledon explants. BothC.olitorius genotypes produced most callus on media with zeatin and either NAA or IAA, and theC.capsularis genotype produced most callus on media with IAA and either zeatin or BA. High frequencies of regenerated shoots were obtained from shoot tip explants of both species, from the apical meristem and from callus. Media with 2.0 mg 1⁻¹ BA were superior for both species, and media with zeatin were equally good forC.capsularis only. More regeneration was obtained for all genotypes after subculture of callus on media with 2.0 mg 1⁻¹ zeatin. Cotyledon callus produced less regeneration, also with differences between genotypes; explants of both genotypes ofC.olitorius produced regeneration on a medium with NAA and zeatin, and theC.capsularis genotype produced regeneration on a medium with IAA and BA. Limited regeneration from root explant callus was obtained forC.capsularis only on medium with BA and IAA. Regeneration was not obtained from hypocotyl callus. Further regeneration of shoots of both species was obtained from secondary callus after subculture, and from nodal segments of regenerated shoots and of seedling shoots cultured on basic MS medium without growth hormones. Roots were produced on about 80% of all shoots after transference to medium with 0.2 mg 1⁻¹ IBA, and rooted plantlets survived and flowered normally after transference to compost.     

Effect of auxins on berberine synthesis in cell suspension culture of Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr--a critically endangered medicinal liana of Western Ghats

Cell suspension culture of critically endangered Coscinium fenestratum was established from young leaf segments on WPM supplemented with auxins. Effect of 2,4-D, IAA, IBA and NAA was examined on cell growth and berberine production. Berberine was synthesized and released continuously into the liquid medium. Presence of 2,4-D stimulated cell growth, but was not inhibitory on berberine synthesis. On the contrary, NAA stimulated berberine biosynthesis, but was not favourable for cell growth. Among the auxins tested, highest yield of berberine (5.79 mg/30 ml; 4.14 times to that of control) was obtained with 4 mg/l of NAA, while the best cell growth (214.43 mg dry wt., 1.96 times to that of control) was observed in the presence of 2 mg/l of 2,4-D. IAA and IBA were not favourable for cell growth and berberine synthesis.