A simple method for cryopreservation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ginkgo biloba</Emphasis> callus

Two-years-old Ginkgo biloba cell culture initiated from cotyledonary explants was cryopreserved by a simple desiccation method. Preliminary incubation of callus clumps on MS preculture medium supplemented with 100 g l⁻¹ sucrose and 2 mg l⁻¹ ABA for 7 and 14 days resulted in accumulation of endogenous soluble sugars and was essential for cell culture post-cryopreservation survival. The optimal time for the preculture on sucrose-and-ABA containing medium was found to be 14 days. The sufficient desiccation duration was determined as 150 min. FCM profiles of calli maintained for 2 years remained stable and were not affected by cryopreservation.     

Recombinant expression,characterization and expressional analysis of clam <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meretrix meretrix</Emphasis> cathepsin B,an enzyme involved in nutrient digestion

Cathepsin B is one of the most important proteolytic enzymes involved in the nutrient metabolism of clam Meretrix meretrix. The recombinant fusion protein GST-MmeCB (rGST-MmeCB) was obtained at a high level from Escherichia coli and identified using LC-ESI-MS/MS. The GST tag was cleaved from rGST-MmeCB, and the resulting recombinant MmeCB (rMmeCB) was able to degrade the selective substrate carbobenzoxy-l-arginyl-l-arginyl-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (Z-Arg-Arg-AFC) in vitro. The kinetic parameters of the rMmeCB were calculated as follows: K _m, V_max and k _cat are 6.11 μM, 0.0174 μM min⁻¹ and 277.57 s⁻¹, respectively. Rabbit anti-rGST-MmeCB polyclonal antibodies was prepared and used to analyze the tissue distribution of MmeCB protein in M. meretrix. The results showed that the highest level of cathepsin B was found in the digestive gland and moderate levels were found in gill and mantle. Similar expression patterns were found at the mRNA level as detected by real time PCR. Further analysis showed that starvation caused a slight increase in MmeCB protein synthesis in the digestive gland, while refeeding after starvation caused an apparent increase in MmeCB synthesis in digestive gland, gill and mantle. Real time PCR analysis showed that MmeCB mRNA in digestive gland was significantly up-regulated by starvation and returned to normal level after the starved clams were refed. Together, these results indicated that cathepsin B is probably involved in the nutrient digestion of M. meretrix.     

The effects of feeding Karlodinium veneficum (PLY # 103; Gymnodinium veneficum Ballantine) to the blue mussel Mytilus edulis

The effects of exposure to the type species for Karlodinium veneficum (PLY # 103) on immune function and histopathology in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis were investigated. Mussels from Whitsand Bay, Cornwall (UK) were exposed to K. veneficum (PLY # 103) for 3 and 6 days. Assays for immune function included total and differential cells counts, phagocytosis and release of extra cellular reactive oxygen species. Histology was carried out on digestive gland and mantle tissues. The toxin cell quota for K. veneficum (PLY # 103) was measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry detecting two separable toxins KvTx1 (11.6 ± 5.4 ng/ml) and KvTx2 (47.7 ± 4.2 ng/ml). There were significant effects of K. veneficum exposure with increasing phagocytosis and release of reactive oxygen species following 6 days exposure. There were no significant effects on total cell counts. However, differential cell counts did show significant effects after 3 days exposure to the toxic alga. All mussels produced faeces but not pseudofaeces indicating that algae were not rejected prior to ingestion. Digestive glands showed ingestion of the algae and hemocyte infiltration after 3 days of exposure, whereas mantle tissue did not show differences between treatments. As the effects of K. veneficum were not observed in the mantle tissue it can be hypothesized that the algal concentration was not high enough, or exposure long enough, to affect all the tissues. Despite being in culture for more than 50 years the original K. veneficum isolate obtained by Mary Parke still showed toxic effects on mussels.     

In vitro explant culture of mantle epithelium of freshwater pearl mussel

The in vitro culture of nacre secreting pallial mantle explants of freshwater pearl producing mussel, Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck) included depuration of pearl mussels with different physical and chemical agents to eradicate various commensals, removal of pallial mantle ribbon, aseptic preparation of explants from the ribbon and transfer of those explants into tissue culture petri dishes. Special synthetic tissue culture media enriched with additives viz., inactivated calf fetal serum and antibiotics were poured into plates with explants. The culture plates were incubated at 30 degrees C in a CO2 incubator at 5%, CO2. The cultures could be maintained for 42-45 days without any contamination. After 12 hr epithelial like cells began to migrate out and formed a complete cell sheet surrounding the explant within 12-15 days. The epithelial cells in the culture indicated functional viability as subsequently after 38-40 days of culture, typical aragonitic 'nacre' crystals of CaCO3 could be observed throughout the culture plates.     

Effect of nickel on regeneration in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis> L. and assessment of genotoxicity using RAPD markers

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of nickel on shoot regeneration in tissue culture as well as to identify polymorphisms induced in leaf explants exposed to nickel through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). In vitro leaf explants of Jatropha curcas were grown in nickel amended Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium at four different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mM) for 3 weeks. Percent regeneration, number of shoots produced and genotoxic effects were evaluated by RAPD using leaf explants obtained from the first three treatments following 5 weeks of their subsequent subculture in metal free MS medium. Percent regeneration decreased with increase in addition of nickel to the medium up to 14 days from 42.31% in control to zero in 1.0 mM. The number of shoot buds scored after 5 weeks was higher in control as compared to all other treatments except in one of the metal free subculture medium wherein the shoot number was higher in 0.01 mM treatment (mean = 7.80) than control (mean = 7.60). RAPD analysis produced only 5 polymorphic bands (3.225%) out of a total of 155 bands from 18 selected primers. Only three primers OPK-19, OPP-2, OPN-08 produced polymorphic bands. The dendrogram showed three groups A, B, and C. Group A samples showed 100% genetic similarity within them. Samples between groups B and C were more genetically distant from each other as compared to samples between groups A and B as well as groups A and C. Cluster analysis based on RAPD data correlated with treatments.     

Characterization of Calcium Deposition and Shell Matrix Protein Secretion in Primary Mantle Tissue Culture from the Marine Pearl Oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinctada fucata</Emphasis>

In this study, we established and characterized a long-term primary mantle tissue culture from the marine pearl oyster Pinctada fucata for in vitro investigation of nacre biomineralization. In this culture system, the viability of mantle tissue cells lasted up to 2 months. The tissue cells were demonstrated to express nacre matrix proteins by RT-PCR, and a soluble shell matrix protein, nacrein, was detected in the culture medium by Western blot analysis. On the other hand, 15 days after initiating culture, a large amount of calcium deposits with major elements, including calcium, carbon, and oxygen, were generated in the mantle explants and cell outgrowth area. The quantity and size of calcium deposits increased with the prolonged cultivation, and their location and nanogranular structure suggested their biogenic origin. These calcium deposits specifically appeared in mantle tissue cultures, but not in heart tissue cultures. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the mantle tissue culture functions similarly to mantle cells in vivo. This study provides a reliable approach for the further investigation on nacre biomineralization at the cellular level.     

Morphogenesis induction and organogenic nodule differentiation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus euphratica</Emphasis> Oliv. leaf explants

Populus euphratica Oliv. is a deciduous poplar species, occurring mainly in riparian areas of China and Middle Eastern countries, and presenting high tolerance to extreme temperatures and high soil salinity. In this study, an optimized protocol for development and propagation of P. euphratica from leaf explants is reported, based on a morphogenic process that involves organogenic nodule differentiation. Adventitious shoot regeneration of P. euphratica from organogenic nodules of leaf explants was achieved within a range of concentrations of α-naphtalenacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine, at a fixed 2:1 ratio. Cambial cells started to divide 5 days after inoculation on culture medium and, after 12 days, several organizing centres were already formed. Non-friable callus tissue, together with organization centres, formed structures that evolved to nodules after about 40 days which were, then, able to regenerate new shoots after 50–60 days. The nodules did not separate from the mother explants and were able to successfully give rise to new adventitious shoots. These were rescued and successfully grown and rooted in different culture media, and fully developed plants were obtained. The regeneration system here described for P. euphratica is innovative, reproducible and data from histological studies of the morphogenic process support the classification of the regenerative structures as organogenic nodules.     

Transgenic watermelon lines expressing the nucleocapsid gene of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Watermelon silver mottle virus</Emphasis> and the role of thiamine in reducing hyperhydricity in regenerated shoots

Viral diseases are very detrimental to watermelon production. Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) is a major limiting factor for the production of watermelon and other cucurbit fruits. There are no effective natural sources of resistance to WSMoV, making transgenic resistance an appropriate solution for attenuating virus infection. Hyperhydricity is an important problem in watermelon culture in vitro, resulting from lower multiplication rates, poor quality shoots and tissue necrosis. In this study, we report an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transfer protocol for commercial watermelon cultivars expressing the nucleocapsid (N) gene of WSMoV and a suitable approach to overcome hyperhydricity in watermelon culture in vitro. Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts containing Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) vitamins + 50 mg l⁻¹ thiamine HCl could diminish the hyperhydric phenotype. The proximal halves of cotyledons from 3-day-old seedlings were cut into 1.5 × 1.5 mm segments as explants. Four days after co-cultivation, the explants were transferred to a selection medium for shoot regeneration. The putative transgenic shoots developed within 6 weeks of culture and were then transferred to stringent medium for 8 weeks to eliminate ‘escape type’ shoots. Fifty putative transgenic watermelon lines were obtained from three cultivars. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed that the foreign gene was incorporated into the genomic DNA of the transgenic lines.     

A rapid in vitro propagation of red sanders (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pterocarpus santalinus</Emphasis> L.) using shoot tip explants

An efficient protocol has been developed for the in vitro propagation of Pterocarpus santalinus L. using shoot tip explants which is a valuable woody medicinal plant. Various parts of this plant are pharmaceutically used for the treatment of different diseases. Multiple shoots were induced from shoot tip explants derived from 20 days old in vivo germinated seedlings on 1:1 ratio of sand and soil after treating with gibberellic acid (GA₃). The highest frequency for shoot regeneration (83.3%) with maximum number of shoot buds (11) per explant was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) along with 0.1 mg/l of thidiazuron (TDZ) after 45 days of culture. A proliferating shoot culture was established by repeatedly subculturing the original shoot tip explants on fresh medium after each harvest of the newly formed shoots. Sixty percent of the shoots produced roots were transferred to rooting medium containing MS salts and 0.1 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) after 30 days. About 73.33% of the in vitro raised plantlets were established successfully in earthen pots. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-based DNA fingerprinting profiles were generated for the first time using shoot tip explants of this species and confirmed that there was no genetic variability. This protocol might be helpful for the mass multiplication of P. santalinus in the future.     

Organ culture of adult rat colonic mucosa on fibrin foam

A system for maintaining adult rat colonic mucosa in organ culture for up to 28 days is described. Distal colonic mucosa physically separated from the muscle layers was cultured at 37 degrees C on a substrate of human fibrin foam in HEPES- and bicarbonate-buffered Waymouth's MB 752/1 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, L-glutamine, bovine albumin, ascorbic acid, hydrocortisone, insulin, and ferrous sulfate; the optimal atmostphere for culture was 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Viability of explants was demonstrated by tissue morphology with light microscopy, incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine into DNA and protein, [14C]glucosamine and [3H]fucose incorporation, and glycoprotein synthesis. Two days after initiation of culture, degeneration of surface and crypt cells was observed. Secreted mucosubstances covered the explants. Explants maintained in 95% O2 retained a variable number of glandular crypts with normal columnar epithelium for 14 to 21 days in culture. At 28 days, explants contained a single layer of cuboidal surface epithelium and a rare cryptlike gland.     

A simple shoot multiplication procedure using internode explants,and its application for particle bombardment and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation in watercress

A shoot multiplication system derived from internode explants was investigated with the aim of improving genetic characteristics of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.). Internodes of ca. 1 cm excised from in vitro stock shoot culture were placed on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as a pre-treatment. Laser scanning microscopy indicated clearly that the first sign of meristematic cell division could be seen after 1–2 days of pre-culture, and meristematic tissues multiplied along the vascular cambium of the internode segment during 7 days of culture. Multiple shoots could be obtained from more than 90% of the pre-treated explants when they were subsequently transferred to MS medium supplemented with 1 μM thidiazuron for 3 weeks. These findings indicate that pre-treatment of the internodes for 7 days promoted their capacity for organogenesis. Using this pre-treatment, frequent generation of transgenic watercress plants was achieved by adapting particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation techniques with a construct expressing a synthetic green florescent protein gene.     

Induction of somatic embryogenesis from different explants of shoot cultures derived from young <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus alba</Emphasis> trees

The induction of somatic embryogenesis from shoot apices and leaf explants of shoot cultures derived from 6- to 7-year-old white oak (Quercus alba L.) trees is reported in this study. Embryogenic response was obtained in two out of the three genotypes evaluated with embryo induction frequencies up to 50.7% for WOQ-1 and 3.4% for WOQ-5 genotypes. The embryogenic explants formed translucent nodular structures and cotyledonary-stage somatic embryos, which developed from callus tissue, indicating an indirect embryogenesis process. An efficient procedure was developed for WOQ-1 material on the basis of the most appropriate leaf developmental stage. Growing leaves excised from two nodes below the shoot apex showed the highest embryogenic induction index. These leaves contain cells in an undifferentiated state, as shown by the presence of precursor cells of stomata, absence of intercellular spaces and low starch content in the mesophyll cells. Nodular structures and/or somatic embryos began to arise 7–8 weeks after culture initiation, although most emerged after 9–12 weeks in culture. The sequence of application of media for somatic embryo induction was optimized with a two-step procedure consisting of culturing the explants in medium supplemented with 21.48 μM NAA and 2.22 μM BA for 8 weeks and transfer of explants into plant growth regulator-free medium for another 12 weeks. Clonal embryogenic lines were established and maintained by secondary embryogenesis. Embryo germination (30%) and plantlet conversion (16.6%) were achieved after cold storage for 2 months.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Crambe tataria</Emphasis>: actions for ex situ conservation

In vitro micropropagation by direct organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis via callus was developed for Crambe tataria (Brassicaceae). C. tataria is an endemic species of the Pontic-Pannonic region, but it is also present in Italy, where it is localized in Friuli on a characteristic grassland formation, called “magredi”. C. tataria is regarded as an endangered species. Leaf and root explants were subjected to plant regulator treatments, which invoked different morphogenic responses. Leaf explants produced more callus than root explants and a higher amount of callus was obtained with 1 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-D in combination with 2 mg l⁻¹ Kin. Somatic embryogenesis was obtained in calli maintained in a delayed subculture regime on media containing BAP in combination with NAA. Root explants cultured with BAP combined with NAA developed adventitious rosette shoots. Shoots rooted on half-strength MS media, and the number of roots per plantlet and their length were heavily dependent on sucrose content. The in vitro regenerated plantlets were acclimatized ex vitro and a mean of 50% of the plantlets survived and showed a true-to-type growth habit. This study describes the development of two in vitro micropropagation protocols, via direct organogenesis and via embryogenesis from callus, that are the basis for the application of in vitro tools for the establishment of basal collections with representative genetic diversity and for the long-term storage of plant genetic material.     

Evaluation of phytomedicinal yield potential and molecular profiling of micropropagated and conventionally grown turmeric (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Curcuma longa</Emphasis> L.)

Drug yielding potential of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is due to the presence of important phytoconstituents such as curcumin, oleoresin and essential oil. Slow multiplication rate, high susceptibility to rhizome rot and leaf spot disease and restricted availability of elite genotype necessitated application of tissue culture technique to alleviate the problems. A protocol has been developed for in vitro micropropagation of an elite genotype (cv. suroma) using latent axillary bud explants from unsprouted rhizome, available throughout the year. MS media containing 3 mg/l 6-Benzyladenine (BA) and 1 mg/l Indole Acetic acid (IAA) was found optimum for regeneration, multiplication and in vitro conservation of plantlets. After 3 years of in vitro conservation regenerants were transplanted to field and assessed for drug yielding potential through evaluation of curcumin, oleoresin and essential oil contents of rhizomes and leaves. One year of field grown tissue culture derived turmeric were found uniform in all the characteristics examined, when compared with those grown conventionally. Micropropagated turmeric showing stable drug yielding potential also proved to have genetic basis of stability as revealed by RAPD based molecular profiling.     

Enhanced recovery of doubled haploid lines from parthenogenetic plants of melon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis> L.)

Recovery of doubled haploid (DH) progeny from haploid melon plants for use in breeding programs requires efficient chromosome doubling procedures. We describe improved procedures for recovery of fruits and viable seeds from parthenogenetic melon plants. Plant regeneration from nodal explants treated with 500 mg/L colchicine for 12 h was increased from 40 to 88% by transferring the treated explants to medium supplemented with a combination of growth regulators [5 μM IAA; 5 μM BA; 1 μM ABA; 30 μM AgNO₃). Prolonged exposure (2–7 days) to colchicine inhibited regeneration from nodal explants but had less effect on shoot tip explants. Many colchicine-treated plantlets flowered in vitro, allowing early assessment of their male fertility. Production of stained pollen in plants from nodal explants was highest after 0.5–2 days of colchicine treatment and on plants from shoot tips after 1–2 days. In vitro pollen counts correlated well with counts from greenhouse grown plants and with fruit set. The fruit set rate for colchicine-treated plants with a high pollen number was 47%. Appropriate colchicine treatment and culture of nodal explants as well as tip explants can substantially increase the number of fertile plants and DH lines recovered from parthenogenetic melons.     

Establishment of adventitious root culture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stevia rebaudiana</Emphasis> Bertoni in a roller bottle system

Cultures of adventitious roots of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni were performed in a roller bottle system for the production of both primary and secondary metabolites. Adventitious roots were induced from 1-cm-long root tip explants derived from in vitro regenerated plantlets on solid Murashige and Skoog (MS 1962) media supplemented with 10.7 μM of α-naphthaleneacetic acid. These cultures were successfully maintained in the same medium for 6 months with regular subcultures after 4 weeks. Thereafter, the roots were cut into 1.0- to 1.5-cm-long segments and transferred to the roller bottle system containing a fresh root tissue culture on liquid MS medium supplemented with 10.7 μM NAA. The apparatus consisted of a flask rolling system adjusted to 4g, and 3° of flask inclination. The roots were allowed to grow in the absence of light for adaptation and adventitious root formation. The best conditions for cultivation were investigated, considering culture volume (25 ml), culture period (4 weeks), salt concentrations in the nutrient medium (33%) and optimal initial inoculum (0.2 g) of S. rebaudiana roots. These results could give important information on how to improve the development of adventitious roots of S. rebaudiana for the production of primary and secondary metabolites.     

Establishment of efficient and rapid regeneration system for some diploid wild species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arachis</Emphasis>

Though peanut tissue culture has advanced to a considerable extent using a number of explants with the subsequent production of transgenic plants, wild Arachis species appeared to be recalcitrant to using similar explants. In this study, the use of cotyledonary nodes as explants prepared from 7-day old seedlings resulted in the development of a simple and rapid regeneration protocol for five diploid wild species including A. diogoi, A. stenosperma, A. duranensis, A. cardenasii and A. correntina belonging to the genus Arachis for producing multiple shoots. Shoot bud initiation was observed 10 to 15 days after culture initiation. Responding cotyledonary nodes with shoot buds were subcultured to lower levels of cytokinin and finally to MS basal medium for further shoot development and elongation. Production of multiple shoots was observed in all the five diploid species with a maximum of 9 to 16 shoots were obtained per explant in the primary cultures. The number of shoot buds increased significantly with repeated explant subculturing with recovery up to 45 shoots from responding explants. These shoots were rooted efficiently on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg l⁻¹ naphthalene acetic acid and the time taken from explanting to the transfer of shoots to potting mixture was about 12 weeks. All rooted shoots were successfully established in soil in glass house and further transferred to field. These plants survived to maturity and set seed.     

Enhancement of direct somatic embryogenesis and plantlet growth from leaf explants of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalaenopsis</Emphasis> by adjusting culture period and explant length

Two Phalaenopsis orchids, Phalaenopsis amabilis and Phalaenopsis ‘Nebula’, were used to test the effects of induction period (30, 45 and 60 days), subculture period (30, 45 and 60 days), and explant length (1, 1.5 and 2 cm) on direct somatic embryogenesis from different regions (leaf tip, adaxial side, abaxial side and cut end) of leaf explants from in vitro grown seedlings. The results showed that the cut end had a highest competence to form embryos than the other regions of the leaf explants from both orchids. In addition, the suitable culture conditions were 60 days for induction period in darkness, 45 days for subculture period in light and 1 cm for explant length. Besides, the combinations of N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) and naphthaleneacetic acid were tested on their effects on plantlet conversion and further development of leaf-derived embryo. It was found that 0.5 mg/l of BA showed the highest response on plantlet conversion rate and the lowest browning rate of explants. In this communication, the embryo structures and development were proved by scanning electron microscopy.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation of protocorm-like bodies in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cattleya</Emphasis>

A protocol for in vitro induction of crape myrtle tetraploids using nodes from in vitro-grown shoots (2n = 48) was established. Nodal buds were excised from in vitro-grown shoots, maintained on proliferation medium containing Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 4.44 μM 6-benzyladenine , 0.54 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid, and treated with a range of concentrations of colchicine under three different conditions. Nodal bud explants treated in liquid proliferation medium supplemented with either 15 or 20 mM colchicine for 24 h turned necrotic and died; whereas, those cultured on solid proliferation medium supplemented with either 125 or 250 μM colchicine for 30 days survived, but no tetraploid plants were obtained. However, when explants were cultured in liquid proliferation medium containing 250, 500 or 750 μM colchicine for 10 days, tetraploid plants (2n = 96) were obtained. Incubation of explants in medium containing 750 μM colchicine promoted the highest frequency of survival (40%) of explants and of recovered tetraploids (60%). Morphological and anatomical characteristics of leaves, including leaf index, stomata size and number, stomata index (length/width), and number of chloroplasts in guard cells correlated with ploidy of crape myrtle plants. The number of chloroplasts in guard cells of stomata was a stable and reliable marker in discriminating plants of different ploidy levels. Chromosome counts and flow cytometry confirmed these findings.