High-frequency plant regeneration from leaf-disc cultures of Jatropha curcas L.: an important biodiesel plant

A simple, high-frequency and reproducible protocol for induction of adventitious shoot buds and plant regeneration from leaf-disc cultures of Jatropha curcas L. has been developed. Adventitious shoot buds were induced from very young leaf explants of in vitro germinated seedlings as well as mature field-grown plants cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ) (2.27 μM), 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) (2.22 μM) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0.49 μM). The presence of TDZ in the induction medium has greater influence on the induction of adventitious shoot buds, whereas BA in the absence of TDZ promoted callus induction rather than shoot buds. Induced shoot buds were multiplied and elongated into shoots following transfer to the MS medium supplemented with BA (4.44 μM), kinetin (Kn) (2.33 μM), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (1.43 μM), and gibberellic acid (GA₃) (0.72 μM). Well-developed shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 μM) after 30 days. Regenerated plants after 2 months of acclimatization were successfully transferred to the field without visible morphological variation. This protocol might find use in mass production of true-to-type plants and in production of transgenic plants through Agrobacterium/biolistic-mediated transformation.     

TDZ-induced plant regeneration in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea</Emphasis> L. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">botrytis</Emphasis>: effect of antioxidative enzyme activity and genetic stability in regenerated plantlets

The effects of various combinations of plant growth regulators on regeneration potential from seedling-derived leaf tissues of Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis were evaluated. Callus was induced from 2-wk-old leaf explants. The explants were incubated on Gamborg’s (MSB₅) medium. The maximum frequency of callus induction (85.56%) was recorded on MSB₅ medium supplemented with 9.1 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) and 0.5 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Optimum shoot induction (54.44%) was obtained on MSB₅ medium supplemented with 4.5 μM TDZ and 0.5 μM NAA. The maximum number of shoots per explant (5.33) was recorded on MSB₅ medium with 4.5 μM TDZ and 0.5 μM NAA, whereas the maximum shoot length (4.86 cm) was recorded for shoots cultured on MSB₅ medium supplemented with 4.5 μM TDZ and 5.7 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃). However, optimum root induction (71.11%) occurred on half-strength Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 4.9 μM indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Studies on the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase in seedlings, callus, regenerated shoots, and regenerated plantlets cultured on 4.5 μM TDZ and 0.5 μM NAA medium revealed the roles of these key antioxidative enzymes in callus induction and regeneration. The genetic stability of the regenerated plantlets was assessed using inter simple sequence repeat primers. The monomorphic amplification products confirmed true-to-type in vitro regenerated plants. This in vitro regeneration method can be useful in the large-scale production of genetically uniform plants, for genetic transformation, and conservation of elite germplasm of plant species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation of northern red oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus rubra</Emphasis> L.)

In vitro propagation of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) shoots was successful from cotyledonary node explants excised from 8-wk-old in vitro grown seedlings. Initially, four shoots per explant were obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.4 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.45 μM thidiazuron (TDZ), and 500 mg l⁻¹ casein hydrolysate (CH) with a regeneration frequency of 64.7% after 3 wk. Subculturing explants (after harvesting shoots) to fresh treatment medium significantly increased shoot bud regeneration (16.6 buds per explant), but the buds failed to develop into shoots. A higher percentage (73.3%) of the explants regenerated four shoots per explant on woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 4.4 μM BA, 0.29 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃), and 500 mg l⁻¹ CH after 3 wk. Explants subcultured to fresh treatment medium after harvesting shoots significantly increased shoot regeneration (16 shoots per explant). Shoot elongation was achieved (4 cm) when shoots were excised and cultured on WPM supplemented with 0.44 μM BA and 0.29 μM GA₃. In vitro regenerated shoots were rooted on WPM supplemented with 4.9 μM indole-3-butyric acid. A higher percentage regeneration response and shoot numbers per explant were recorded on WPM supplemented with BA and GA₃, than on MS medium containing BA and TDZ. Lower concentrations of BA and GA₃ were required for shoot elongation and prevention of shoot tip necrosis. Each cotyledonary node yielded approximately 20 shoots within 12 wk. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized.     

Direct shoot regeneration from leaf explants of Jatropha curcas in response to thidiazuron and high copper contents in the medium

Leaf explants of Jatropha curcas cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ; 0.90 μM) in combination with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 0.98μM) produced adventitious shoot buds directly on the surface of the explants without formation of intervening callus while shoot bud formation was accompanied with callus formation on medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 13.3 μM) and IBA (2.46 μM). TDZ treatment resulted in more than twice higher rate of shoot bud induction than BAP. Shoot buds were multiplied and elongated following repeated transfers to medium containing BAP (2.22 μM) and gibberellic acid (GA₃; 1.44 μM). The effect of copper sulphate on differentiation of shoot buds from leaf segments was also investigated. Both shoot induction and multiplication media were supplemented with different levels of CuSO₄ (0–5 μM). Significant improvement in shoot bud induction was observed when the concentration of CuSO₄ was increased to 10 times the normal MS level. Healthy elongated shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (2.46 μM). Rooted plantlets were transferred to field and survived. Histological analysis revealed direct formation of shoot buds from leaf explants.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> adventitious shoot regeneration of the medicinal plant meadowsweet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Filipendula ulmaria</Emphasis> (L.) Maxim)

Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim (meadowsweet) is a medicinal plant that is claimed to have several biological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-carcinogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulant, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, and immunomodulatory properties. This report describes, for the first time, an efficient plant regeneration system for F. ulmaria via adventitious shoot development from leaf, petiole, and root explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s minimal organics medium containing different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ), benzyladenine, and kinetin either alone or in combination with different auxins. Relatively extensive/prolific shoot regeneration was observed in all three explant types with TDZ in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Gibberellic acid (GA₃), TDZ, and IAA combinations were also tested. The best shoot proliferation was observed among root explants cultured on media supplemented with 0.45 μM TDZ + 2.85 μM IAA + 1.44 μM GA₃. Regenerated shoots were transferred to rooting media containing different concentrations of either IAA, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), naphthalene acetic acid, or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Most shoots developed roots on medium with 2.46 μM IBA. Rooted explants were transferred to vermiculite in Magenta containers for a 2-wk acclimatization period and then finally to plastic pots containing potting soil. The plantlets in soil were kept in growth chambers for 2 wk before transferring to greenhouse conditions.     

Development of an efficient micropropagation system for Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth using thidiazuron and effects on phytochemical constitution

The present study was designed to investigate the stimulatory effects of different doses (0.1 to 2.5 μM) of thidiazuron (TDZ) on in vitro shoot induction and proliferation of mature nodal explants of Tecoma stans. Of the tested concentrations, 2.0 μM TDZ proved to be optimal for maximum regeneration (91%) with a mean shoot number of 5.6 ± 0.67, and length of 2.38 ± 0.08 cm, after 4 wk of incubation. To determine the negative effects of prolonged TDZ exposure, after 4 wk of incubation at optimized level of TDZ, the cultures were transferred to a secondary medium either lacking plant growth regulators or supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) alone, or in combination with different auxins (indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, or α-naphthalene acetic acid; NAA). Among the tested concentrations, 2.5 μM BA in combination with 0.5 μM NAA yielded the maximum mean shoot number (16.60 ± 0.40), and average shoot length (4.76 ± 0.15 cm) after 4 wk of culture. The best rhizogenesis (93%) was achieved on ½ MS medium containing 1.5 μM NAA, with a mean root number of 7.60 ± 0.40 and length of 4.11 ± 0.23 cm, after 4 wk of incubation. The micropropagated plantlets were successfully acclimatized and hardened off in Soilrite™ with a 90% survival rate. The plantlets grew well with normal growth, flowering and showed, by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, an increase in the number of bioactive compounds compared with the donor plant. This is the first report on T. stans in vitro regeneration using TDZ.

     

Plant regeneration through the direct induction of shoot buds from petiole explants of Jatropha curcas: a biofuel plant

An efficient and reproducible method for the regeneration of Jatropha curcas plants has been developed. The method employed direct induction of shoot buds from petiole explants, without the formation of an intervening callus using a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ). The best induction of shoot buds (58.35%) and the number of shoot buds per explant (10.10) were observed when in vitro petiole explants were placed horizontally on MS medium supplemented with 2.27 µM TDZ after 6 weeks. The induced shoot buds were transferred to MS medium containing 10 µM kinetin (Kn), 4.5 µM 6-benzyl aminopurine (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 supplemented with 2.25 µM BAP and 8.5 µM IAA was found to be the best combination for shoot elongation and 3.01–3.91 cm elongation was achieved after 6 weeks. However, significant differences in plant regeneration and shoot elongation were observed among the genotypes studied. The orientation (horizontal or vertical) and source (in vitro or in vivo) of explants also significantly influenced plant regeneration. The elongated shoots could be rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2% sucrose, different concentrations and combinations of IBA, IAA and NAA, and 0.25 mg L⁻¹ activated charcoal. Half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2% sucrose, 15 µM IBA, 5.7 µM IAA, 5.5 µM NAA and 0.25 mg L⁻¹ activated charcoal was found to be the best for promoting rooting. The rooted plants could be established in soil with more than 90% survival.     

Establishment of Camptotheca acuminata regeneration from leaf explants

Plantlet regeneration through shoot formation from young leaf explant-derived callus of Camptotheca acuminata is described. Calli were obtained by placing leaf explants on Woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with various concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Callus induction was observed in all media evaluated. On the shoot induction medium, the callus induced on the WPM medium containing 19.8 μM BA and 5.8 μM NAA was the most effective, providing high shoot regeneration frequency (70.3 %) as well as the highest number of shoots (11.2 shoots explant⁻¹). The good rooting percentage and root quality (98 %, 5.9 roots shoot⁻¹) were achieved on WPM medium supplemented with 9.6 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). 96 % of the in vitro rooted plantlets with well developed shoots and roots survived transfer to soil.     

Efficient plant regeneration from petiole explants of West Indian gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) via indirect organogenesis

An efficient protocol for in vitro organogenesis was achieved from callus-derived immature and mature petiole explants of West Indian gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.). Calluses were induced from immature petiole explants excised on 7-day-old in vitro seedlings and mature petiole explants of 40-day-old in vivo plants. The maximum frequency of immature petiole explants (98.0 %) and mature petiole (91.5 %) produced green, compact organogenic callus in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with Gamborg (B5) vitamins containing 30 g l^?1 sucrose, 8.0 g l^?1 agar and 4.0 μM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) with 2.0 μM benzyl amino purine (BAP) after two successive subculture at 11 days interval. Adventitious shoots were produced from the organogenic callus when it was transferred to MSB₅ medium supplemented with 3.0 μM TDZ, 1.0 μM NAA and 0.05 mM L-glutamine with shoot induction frequency of immature petiole 45 shoots and mature petiole 40 shoots per explant. The shoots were excised from callus and elongated in MSB₅ medium fortified with 3.0 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃). Then elongated shoots were rooted in half strength MSB₅ medium supplemented with 3.0 μM indole 3-butyric acid (IBA). Histological analyses of the regeneration process confirmed the indirect organogenesis pattern. Plantlets with well-developed shoot and root systems were successfully acclimatized (95 %) in winter season and exhibited normal morphology and growth characteristics. The survival percentage differed with seasonal variations.     

Micropropagation and in vitro flowering of endemic and endangered plant Ceropegia attenuata Hook

Factors affecting in vitro propagation were evaluated for Ceropegia attenuata Hook., an endemic and endangered plant having ornamental potential but a limited reproductive capacity. Rapid shoot multiplication from nodal explants was established using varying concentrations of cytokinins and auxins either alone or in combinations. The highest frequency of shoot induction was achieved when nodal explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 13.31 μM 6-benzylaminopurine with a mean of 12.9?±?0.5 shoots per explant. High concentrations of TDZ (6.81–11.35 μM) and KN (6.78–11.61 μM) resulted in stunted and vitrified shoots. Factors implicated in the promotion of floral transition of the C. attenuata have been identified which are 4-amino-3, 5, 6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram), 6-benzylaminopurine, sucrose and photoperiod. The highest frequency of flowering (100%) was obtained when axillary shoot explants were transferred to MS medium supplemented with picloram (4.14 μM) within 4 weeks of culture. Transfer of in vitro regenerated shoots to half strength MS medium with 2.46 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed maximum root induction. The in vitro grown plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the glasshouse with 85% of survival and showed normal development. The developed protocol provided a simple, cost-effective approach for the conservation of endangered plant C. attenuata for replenishing its declining populations.     

An efficient callus proliferation protocol and rhaponticin accumulation of Rheum franzenbachii Munt., a medicinal plant

An efficient callus proliferation system for Rheum franzenbachii Munt., a rare medicinal plant, has been developed. Callus induced from leaf explants incubated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with appropriate supplements of plant growth regulators. In the 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) in combination with α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) treatments, different concentrations of NAA showed different induction effects on explants. When concentration of 6-BAP was as high as 2.0 mgl^?1 in combination with 0.5 mgl^?1 NAA, the callus induction rate reached 58.3%. N-phenyl-N’-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-ylure (TDZ) in combination with NAA was very suitable for callus proliferation compared to TDZ in combination with 2,4-dicholorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) or TDZ in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Fresh and dry weight of callus cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl^?1 TDZ in combination with 0.2 mgl^?1 NAA increased 26.3 and 15.0 times within 35 days culture, respectively. Quantitative analysis of rhaponticin by HPLC showed that the phytochemical profile of callus was similar to that of wild plants, and the content of rhaponticin in callus cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl^?1 TDZ and 0.2 mgl^?1 NAA was 16.6 mgg?¹DW compared to that of 4.0 mgg^?1 DW in wild plants.     

Plant regeneration from leaf explants of mature sandalwood (Santalum album L.) trees under in vitro conditions

Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is a small evergreen, hemi-parasitic tree having more than 18 woody species that are mostly distributed in South Asia, Australia, and Hawaii. Its economical importance is derived from its heartwood oil, but its difficult propagation makes conservation essential. The percentage of seed germination is poor and germination time exceeds 12 mo. Vegetative propagation can be accomplished by grafting, air layering, or with root suckers, but the production of clones is inefficient and time consuming. In this study, efficient plant regeneration was achieved via indirect organogenesis from callus cultures derived from leaf tissues of S. album. Callus induction was induced when leaf explants were cultured on woody plant media (WPM) supplemented with either thidiazuron (TDZ) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The highest callus frequency (100%) was obtained when leaf tissue was cultured in the medium with 0.4 mg?l^?1 TDZ. Fresh weight (141.92 mg) and dry weight (47 mg) of leaf-derived callus were highest in the medium supplemented with 0.8 mg?l^?1 TDZ. The WPM medium supplemented with 2.5 mg?l^?1 BA?+?0.4 mg?l^?1 NAA was the most effective, producing the highest number of shoot buds (24.6) per callus. The highest number of shoots per explant (20.67) and shoot length (5.17 cm) were observed in media supplemented with 5.0 mg?l^?1 BA and 3.0 mg?1^?1 Kn, respectively. Plantlets were rooted on WPM medium with different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest rooting percentage (91.67) and survival were achieved using WPM media with 1.5 mg?l^?1 IBA. All plantlets survived acclimatization, producing healthy plants in the greenhouse. The current investigation showed efficient in vitro regeneration capabilities of S. album from leaf explants.     

Direct plant regeneration from different explants through micropropagation and determination of secondary metabolites in the critically endangered endemic Rhaponticoides mykalea

Direct plant regeneration from different explants, micropropagation and determination of secondary metabolites were studied in the critically endangered endemic Rhaponticoides mykalea (Hub.-Mor.) M.V. Agab & Greuter. Seed germination was achieved by damaging the seed coat and cultivating the embryos on Woody Plant Medium (WPM), of which 40% germinated. The epicotyls and cotyledonary petioles of seedlings were used as initial explants and direct shoot regeneration was obtained on WPM containing 2.22 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA). WPM medium supplemented with 2.22 μM BA and 4.92 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) significantly improved the production of multiple shoots, resulting in an average of 5.6 shoots per explants. The highest rooting of shoots (35.6%) was observed with WPM medium containing 19.68 μM IBA with 990 μM putrescine. Plantlets with well-developed roots were transferred to soil and acclimatised within a plant growth chamber. Acclimatised plants showed 100% survival rate and remained healthy. As a part of our study, the content of secondary metabolites in three tissue culture regenerated lines were determined by HPLC analysis. Chlorogenic acid, Quercetin and scutellarin were confirmed secondary metabolites of R. mykalea.     

Micropropagation of sweet viburnum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Viburnum odoratissimum</Emphasis>)

A micropropagation protocol for shoot culture of sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is described. Nodal explants, initially established on MS medium, were transferred to WPM supplemented with combinations of BA and GA₃. Maximum shoot multiplication was observed on explants cultured on medium supplemented with BA concentration higher than 1.1 μM, and 14 μM GA₃. Although Stage II medium supplemented with BA concentration higher than 1.1 μM resulted in increased shoot multiplication, it also caused a decrease in shoot length. A negative carry over effect of GA₃ on rooting was observed in subsequent Stage III cultures. The presence of GA₃ in Stage II medium promoted shoot elongation, but it also caused a decrease in microcutting rooting. For this reason, 0.5 μM BA and 14 μM GA₃ were selected for optimum Stage II shoot multiplication. Although 100% microcuttings formed roots when cultured on medium containing 6.0 μM NAA, significant callus formation was observed and ex vitro survival rate was low (49%). Rooting was achieved after 3 weeks with 82% of microcuttings on medium supplemented with 3 μM IBA. The survival rate of plantlets under ex vitro conditions was 100% after 3 weeks. Plants looked healthy with no visually detectable phenotypic variation based on observation of about 30 plants.     

Regeneration of salvia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia officinalis</Emphasis> L.) via induction of meristematic callus

Nodular meristematic callus was induced on the basal cut surface of apical shoot explants of salvia cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.5, 13.5, or 22.5 μM thidiazuron (TDZ). Cultures were incubated in the dark for 1 wk and then transferred to light conditions for 4 wk. A higher percentage of explants developing callus was observed on medium containing either 4.5 or 13.5 μM TDZ, although explants on 4.5 μM developed larger calluses. The callus was maintained on medium containing 4.5 μM TDZ and 0.45 mM ascorbic acid. Shoot differentiation, after each of three successive maintenance passages, was induced from callus grown on medium containing either 4.4 or 8.8 μM benzyladenine (BA). A greater number of shoots were harvested from callus differentiated on BA (4.4 or 8.8 μM) medium with 0.45 mM ascorbic acid added. Shoots developed roots on MS medium supplemented with 4.9 μM of indole-3-butyric acid. The addition of ascorbic acid to the shoot differentiation medium enhanced rooting, number of roots per shoot, and survival rate. Approximately 75% in vitro plantlets were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions. Histological investigations confirmed both adventitious meristem initiation during the callus induction phase, and subsequent organogenic shoot development on the differentiation medium. The novel protocol for the meristematic callus induction and plant regeneration in this study may be useful for biotechnological applications for salvia improvement via genetic transformation or mutagenesis and in vitro propagation approaches.     

Micropropagation of mature <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crataegus aronia</Emphasis> L., a medicinal and ornamental plant with rootstock potential for pome fruit

The effects of culture media and cytokinin types on micropropagation of mature Crataegus aronia L. were investigated. Using single-axillary bud explants, the growth of cultures on MS, WPM, DKW and NRM containing 4.44 μM benzyladenine (BA) plus 0.05 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and on NRM containing thidiazuron, meta-Topolin (mT) or BA at 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 μM plus 0.05 μM IBA were compared. The culture medium had significant effects on shoot number and length. In comparison with MS, DKW and WPM, shoot production was greater on NRM (5.7 shoots per explant). Shoot production on MS, DKW and WPM (4.2, 4.2 and 4.1, respectively) were statistically similar to each other. Thidiazuron was detrimental to shoot formation and caused formation of rosette shoots and/or large callus to form on explants. In the presence of mT, only some of the explants developed into shoots. Benzyladenine was the only cytokinin that promoted both shoot proliferation and shoot elongation. Higher shoot numbers were obtained at 5.0 and 7.5 μM BA compared to lower concentrations of BA. Over 80% of microshoots rooted and rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized to ex vitro conditions.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> regeneration and plant establishment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tylophora indica</Emphasis> (Burm. F.) Merrill: Petiole callus culture

Summary A protocol has been developed for high-frequency shoot regeneration and plant establishment of Tylophora indica from petiole-derived callus. Optimal callus was developed from petiole explants on Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 10μM2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid +2,5μM thidiazuron (TDZ). Adventitious shoot induction was achieved from the surface of the callus after transferring onto shoot induction medium. The highest rate (90%) of shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium containing 2.5μM TDZ. Individual elongated shoots were rooted best on halfstrength MS medium containing 0.5μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). When the basal cut ends of the in vitro-regenerated shoots were dipped in 150μM IBA for 30 min followed by transplantation in plastic pots containing sterile vermiculite, a mean of 4.1 roots per shoot developed. The in vitro-raised plantlets with well-developed shoot and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and grown in a greenhouse with 100% survival. Four months after transfer to pots, the performance of in vitro-propagated plants of T. indica was evaluated on the basis of selected physiological parameters and compared with ex vitro plants of the same age.     

Efficient in vitro germination and shoot proliferation of chilling-treated water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerov) embryonal explants

Summary Embryonal explants from water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerov) seeds germinated with high efficiency following a 40-d cold treatment at 5°C on half-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 2.7 μM N⁶-benzyladenine (BA), 0.5 μM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.5 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃). Control and chill-treated (different durations) embryonal explants were cultured onto media which contained half-strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins [BA, thidiazuron (TDZ), kinetin, zeatin], auxin (NAA) and GA₃. A liquid half-strength MS medium with 1.1 μM BA and 0.5 μM NAA resulted in the best shoot proliferation of control or chill-treated explants, and the addition of 0.5 μM GA₃ stimulated axillary shoot elongation. Germination and shoot proliferation were always greater for chill-treated explants compared with control explants under the same culture conditions. Shoots produced in vitro rooted 100% of the time in a liquid half-strength MS medium with 1.1 μM BA, 0.5 μM NAA and 1.1 μM indole-3-butyric acid, and the regenerated plantlets were established successfully in a water chestnut paddy field.     

High-efficiency regeneration of Agrobacterium rhizogenes-induced hairy root in apple rootstock Malus baccata (L.) Borkh

Malus baccata is widely used as a rootstock in cold regions of the world because of its cold hardiness. In this study, a highly efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain 8196 transformation system was developed using in vitro-derived stem segments of M. baccata. Approximately 37?% agro-infected explants produced hairy roots when they were incubated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without plant growth regulators. A total of 95?% of hairy roots exhibited glucuronidase activity. Calli were induced from putatively-transformed hairy roots, and subsequently shoots were observed within 4?weeks of culture. The influence of 6-benzyladenine (BA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), thidiazuron (TDZ), and gibberellic acid 3 (GA₃) on regeneration were investigated using an L₉ (3⁴) orthogonal experiment. About 73?% of shoots were regenerated when callus was incubated on MS medium along with 2.0?mg?L^?1 BA, 0.5?mg?L^?1 IBA, 0.3?mg?L^?1 GA₃, and 0.5?mg?L^?1 TDZ. Moreover, hairy root regenerants showed higher rooting ability and exhibited morphological aberrations such as shortened stem, etiolated, wrinkled and clustered leaves than those of control.     

Micropropagation of fig (Ficus carica L.) ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ plants

Summary An in vitro protocol for Ficus carica cv. ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ was optimized. Nodal explants containing two buds were excised from field-grown mature plants, and transferred to different proliferation media consisting of combinations of distinct concentrations of activated charcoal with benzyladenine (BA), kinetin with gibberellic acid (GA₃), and WPM (woody plant medium) with kinetin. The regular strength of WPM in combination with 0.5 mgl⁻¹ kinetin was the best condition for shoot proliferation of Ficus carica ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ plants. The addition of activated charcoal in the medium completely inhibited shoot proliferation. The inclusion of BA in the medium induced excessive callus formation as well as small and vitrified shoots, while GA₃ induced excessive elongation associated with vitrification, chlorosis, and tip-burned shoots.