Single-cell origin and development of somatic embryos in Picea abies (L.) Karst. (Norway spruce) and P. glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce)

The origin and development of somatic embryos in calli initiated from immature zygotic embryos of Picea abies (L.) Karst. (Norway spruce) and P. glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce) was studied. Immature zygotic embryos cultured on callus induction medium produced two types of white calli that were phenotypically different from one another. The callus that proliferated from the hypocotyl region was white to translucent, glossy, mucilaginous and embryogenic. The callus mass which originated from the radicle end was reddish-white, nonmucilaginous and nonembryogenic. Whole mount preparations of the entire explant with two different types of calli showed the presence of embryogenic cells in the mucilaginous callus mass derived from the hypocotyl region of the zygotic embryo. The origin of somatic embryos in both Norway and white spruce could be traced to single cells of the hypocotyl callus.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine     

Biochemical differences between embryogenic and nonembryogenic calli of conifers

Summary Embryogenic and nonembryogenic calli of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Eastern white pine (P. strobus), pond pine (P. serotina), white spruce (Picea glauca), and European larch (Larix decidua) were analyzed for biochemical parameters previously shown to be indicative of an embryogenic state in Norway spruce (Picea abies). Concentrations of glutathione and total reductants as well as rates of ethylene evolution and incorporation of radioactive leucine into protein in the two callus types were consistent with the Norway spruce observations. Embryogenic potential of loblolly pine and pond pine callus was predicted by biochemical analysis in advance of the appearance of somatic embryos. Other parameters such as isozyme patterns and SDS-PAGE of soluble proteins could also be used to distinguish embryogenic from nonembryogenic conifer callus. Among the species investigated, white spruce was the most difficult to sort by these methods.     

Plant regeneration by somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures of sweet sorghum

Tissue culture methods were developed for the induction, maintenance, and regeneration of embryogenic callus in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars Keller, Rio, and Wray. No significant differences were observed in production of embryogenic callus in cultures established from developmentally immature or mature embryo explants cultured on LS medium with 2 mg/1 2,4-D plus 0.5 mg/1 kinetin. Prolific callus production did not occur until the third four-week culture period. Long-term maintenance of embryogenic callus was dependent upon the selective transfer of embryogenic callus, with other callus types discarded. High-frequency plant regeneration was achieved and quantified on a fresh weight basis of embryogenic callus.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BA benzyladenine - IAA indoleacetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid - LS Linsmaier and Skoog basal medium (Linsmaier and Skoog, 1965)     

High frequency embryoid and plantlet formation from tissue cultures of the Finger millet-Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

Compact nodulated embryogenic callus differentiated from cultured seeds of Eleusine coracana (Finger Millet) on Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (1.0, 3.0 mg ^l). This embryogenic callus was maintained on a medium with a lower level of 2,4 — dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. At every subculture the embryogenic callus had some preexisting embryoids in it. With this method of subculture the callus has retained its morphogenic potential for four years. Following transfer to media with different levels of auxins and cytokinins, the callus showed varied patterns of growth and morphogenesis. Embryoids could be germinated in profusion to form plantlets which could be transferred to the field. Shoot buds also differentiated from the whole surface of the embryoid or from the flattened meristemoids.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA napthaleneacetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid - KN kinetin - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - GA₃ Gibberellic acid     

Morphohistobiochemical characteristics of embryogenic and nonembryogenic callus cultures of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Ipomoea batatas callus culture raised in a medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) alone or 2,4-D in combination with benzyl adenine, were found to be embryogenic. Supplementation of exogenous chemicals, such as 5 g/l NaCI or 0.7 g/l proline together with a mild dose of 0.2 mg/l 2,4-D, enhanced somatic embryogenesis significantly in all the genotypes tested. Morphological, growth, physiological, histological, and biochemical characteristics of the embryogenic callus were different from the nonembryogenic callus. The former was compact, slow growing, and nodular compared with the fast growing, fragile, nonembryogenic callus. The embryogenic callus tissue had more dry matter, protein and reducing sugar contents compared with the less embryogenic callus. The somatic embryogenic response remained steady in the cultures for up to 96 weeks.     

A method for quantification of the level of somatic embryogenesis among Norway spruce callus lines

A method for quantitative determination of the level of somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce embryogenic callus is described. Embryogenic callus was dispersed in liquid by agitation and plated in a thin layer of medium containing 0.6% low melting point agarose. The number of embedded somatic embryos per mg of callus ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 among 11 embryogenic callus lines surveyed. Each callus line was derived from an individual immature embryo explant. Further development occurred as somatic embryos grew out of the agarose layer. This method was useful for identifying highly embryogenic callus lines among phenotypically similar lines, and should be useful for quantitatively determining the effect of medium and growth regulator modifications on somatic embryo density and developmental capacity.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - ABA abscisic acid     

Lectin levels in tissues of cultured immature wheat embryos

Levels of wheat germ agglutinin have been determined by radioimmunoassay in tissues of immature wheat embryos cultured under different conditions in order to determine the suitability of the lectin as a marker for somatic embryogenesis. Embryos cultured on media favouring continued embryo development accumulated lectin in a similar manner to zygotic embryos in planta unless precocious germination occurred. Embryos cultured on media containing 2,4-D produced callus, and some of this developed somatic embryos. Both embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus contained WGA, that in non-embryogenic callus possibly arising from developmentally arrested root primordia.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - dpa days post anthesis - PBS phosphate buffered saline, (10 mM KH₂PO₄ K₂HPO₄, 145 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) - RIA radioimmunoassay - WGA wheat germ agglutinin - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cell suspension and tissue cultures of mature himalayan poplar (Populus ciliata)

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet formation were obtained from callus and cell suspension cultures of 40-year- old Himalayan Poplar (Populus ciliata Wall ex Royle). Callus and cell suspensions were obtained by transfer of inoculum of semiorganized leaf cultures, which were maintained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP), to MS with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Reduction of 2,4-D concentration during subsequent subculture of cell suspensions resulted in the formation of embryoids. These embryoids developed further only after being transferred to agar-based MS medium supplemented with BAP and naphthalene acetic acid. Loss of embryogenic potential was observed in cell suspensions after 6 subcultures. However, callus cultures retained the embryogenic potential even after repeated subcultures for more than a year. Plantlets could be successfully hardened and grown in natural outdoor conditions.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA 1-naphthalene acetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in cultured immature inflorescences of Setaria italica

Young inflorescence explants of Setaria italica in culture showed high capacity for regenerating plantlets through somatic embryogenesis. Embryogenic callus formation was initiated from the explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium with 2 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.2–0.5 mg/l KT or BAP, but it was better for the maintenance of embryogenic growth to subculture the calli on the medium with 2,4-D and KT/BAP and on the medium with 2 mg/l 2iPA and 0.2 mg/l NAA alternately. A number of plantlets were regenerated when embryogenic calli were transferred onto the same basic medium but with 2 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. Plant regeneration capacity has been maintained in some embryogenic calli during fourteen months of subculture.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA 3-indoleacetic acid - 2iPA N⁶-(²-isopentenyl) adenosine - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - KT kinetin - CH casein hydrolysate     

Structure and development of somatic embryos formed inArabidopsis thaliana pt mutant callus cultures derived from seedlings

Summary Seeds of theArabidopsis thaliana mutant primordia timing (pt) were germinated in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acidcontaining liquid medium. The seedlings formed somatic embryos and nonembryogenic and embryogenic callus in vitro in a time period of approximately two to three weeks. Embryogenesis and callus formation were monitored with respect to origin, structure, and development. Ten days after germination globular structures appeared in close vicinity of and on the shoot apical meristem (SAM). Somatic embryos formed either directly on the SAM region of the seedling or indirectly on embryogenic callus that developed at the SAM zone. Globular structures developed along the vascular tissue of the cotyledons as well, but only incidentally they formed embryos. Upon deterioration, the cotyledons formed callus. Regular subculture of the embryogenic callus gave rise to high numbers of somatic embryos. Such primary somatic embryos, grown on callus, originated from meristematic cell clusters located under the surface of the callus. Embryos at the globular and heart-shape stage were mostly hidden within the callus. Embryos at torpedo stage appeared at the surface of the callus because their axis elongated. Secondary somatic embryos frequently formed directly on primary ones. They preferentially emerged from the SAM region of the primary somatic embryos, from the edge of the cotyledons, and from the hypocotyl. We conclude that the strong regeneration capacity of thept mutant is based on both recurrent and indirect embryogenesis.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DIC days in culture - SAM shoot apical meristem     

Long-term optimized embryogenic cultures in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

Five varieties of durum wheat: Appulo, Ofanto, Latino, Creso, and Castello (Triticum durum Desf.) adapted to the semi-arid mediterranean environment have been tested for their in vitro response. Compact, embryogenic, highly regenerable calli originated from primary callus derived through proliferation of the scutellum of immature embryos explanted in the presence of 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Selective subculture of the white, compact, embryogenic sectors led to the establishment of long-term cultures. Regeneration occurred on hormone-free medium either via germination of somatic embryos, or via multiple-shoot formation probably due to precocious germination of somatic embryos. The three varieties, Ofanto, Creso and Appulo, were the best responding genotypes. Callus fragmentation and two subsequent transfers onto fresh medium at 7-day intervals yielded a frequency of plant regeneration of some 25–40 plantlets per gram fresh weight callus in 21 days on Murashige and Skoog's hormone-free medium. Plantlets could be efficiently established in soil, thus confirming the possibility of biotechnological approaches with varieties of this crop species.Abbreviations E embryogenic - NE non embryogenic - MS Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium - 2,4-D 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DAA days after anthesis - FWT fresh weight tissue     

Plant regeneration from protoplasts of Panax ginseng (C.A. Meyer) through somatic embryogenesis

Summary Protoplasts of Panax ginseng were isolated from embryos obtained from the 4-year old embryogenic cell line KCTC PCL 49031 which was derived from a zygotic embryo. High protoplast yields of 22–25 × 10⁶ protoplast / g tissue were obtained following 5–6 h digestion with 2% Cellulysin, 1% Pectinase and 1% Macerasae in half strength Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 12% mannitol. A plating density of 1×10⁵ protoplasts /ml was found optimal for protoplast culture. An initial division frequency of 10% was obtained in an agarosegelled defined medium. Myo-inositol (6%) was found to be the most suitable osmoticum. Somatic embryos were formed from protoplast derived embryogenic callus, which regenerated into plantlets.Abbreviations NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - Kn kinetin - BA benzyladenine - GA₃ gibberellic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog medium     

Influence of auxin type and concentration on peanut somatic embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using immature cotyledonary explants was induced on a wide range of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (5 to 60mg l^–1) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (20 to 50 mg l^–1) levels. Percent embryogenesis ranged from 31 to 94%. As auxin level increased in induction medium, percent embryogenesis decreased and was associated with browning of explants. However, with higher 2,4-D induction levels (40 mg l^–1 and over), embryogenic explants had dense masses of embryogenic areas and repetitive embryogenesis was enhanced. Higher auxin concentrations during induction decreased precocious germination of embryos, but had no marked effect on somatic embryo morphology. The use of 2,4-D compared to NAA in the induction medium resulted in greater per cent embryogenesis and mean number of embryos. Embryos induced on NAA were harder, less pliant, and less succulent; cultures exhibited more extensive root development and nonembryogenic callus proliferation.Abbreviations B5 Gamborg et al. (1968) - BA benzyladenine - 2,4-D dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - MS Murashige & Skoog (1962) - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - picloram 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid     

Repetitive somatic embryogenesis in peanut cotyledon cultures by continual exposure to 2,4-d

Somatic embryos from immature cotyledons in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) were initiated on media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d). Over 90% primary embryogenesis and 41–46% repetitive embryogenesis were obtained 12 weeks after initiation by maintaining embryogenic cultures on medium containing 20 mg 1^-1 2,4-d. Maintenance of cultures on medium with 30 or 40 mg I^-1 2,4-d resulted in lower primary and secondary embryogenesis, and proliferation of nonembryogenic callus. Transfer of embryogenic cultures to a secondary medium with 10 or 20 mg I^-1 2,4-d significantly enhanced secondary embryogenesis compared to basal medium without the growth regulator. The use of Murashige & Skoog versus Finer's media had no significant effect on embryogenesis (85–95%), repetitive embryogenesis (11–37%) or mean embryo number. Secondary embryogenesis was also maintained for over one year by repeated subculture of isolated somatic embryos on medium with 20 mg I^-1 2,4-d.Abbreviations B5 Gamborg et al. medium (Gamborg et al. 1968) - 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - FN Finer & Nagasawa medium (Finer & Nagasawa 1968) - MS Murashige & Skoog medium (Murashige & Skoog 1962)     

Callus induction,plant regeneration,and long-term maintenance of embryogenic cultures in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zoysia matrella</Emphasis> [L.] Merr

An efficient protocol of callus induction, plant regeneration and long-term maintenance of embryogenic cultures for manilagrass was developed. Callus induction and embryogenic callus formation were influenced by cytokinins and nodal positions. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.02 mg l⁻¹ kinetin (KT) or 6-benzyladenine (BA) gave the highest frequency for both callus induction and embryogenic callus formation compared with 0.02 mg l⁻¹ thidiazuron (TDZ) or N⁶-(2-isopenteny) adenine (2iP). The frequency of callus induction of different nodes (from the first to the sixth node) varied from 22.5 to 92.1%, and the embryogenic callus formation frequencies ranged from 13.3 to 25.7%. The highest frequencies of callus induction and embryogenic callus formation (92.1 and 25.7%, respectively) were observed in the fourth node group. During subculture on callus induction and maintenance medium, somatic embryos formed on the surface of the embryogenic callus. On regeneration medium, the regeneration rates of embryogenic callus varied from 96.8 to 100% during the 4-year period of subculture. The results also indicate that preservation of manilagrass callus is stable at low-temperature (4°C) over a period of 11 months. No significant differences were found in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and proline content of the plants regenerated from the 4-year subcultured callus on different regeneration media.     

Proteins related with embryogenic potential in callus and cell suspensions of sugarcane (Saccharum sp.)

Summary Previous results have shown that some proteins secreted in the culture medium are involved with the formation of embryogenic cells and can modify somatic embryo differentiation. Undifferentiated cell suspensions grown in the presence of 13 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and obtained from embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus were used to study these events in sugarcane plants (cv.PR-62258). The cell suspension growth curves were determined and soluble proteins were extracted from embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus and culture medium from cell suspensions. In embryogenic callus we detected 1.43 times more protein than in non-embryogenic callus and the electrophoretic protein patterns show specific polypeptides for both callus types. In embryogenic callus we detected a cluster of four polypeptides in the range of 38–44 kDa and another polypeptide of 23 kDa that were not observed in non-embryogenic callus. In nonembryogenic callus there is a 35-kDa polypeptide that was not detected in embryogenic callus. In the case of extracellular proteins, the medium from embryogenic cell suspensions contained four polypeptides of 41, 38, 34 and 28 kDa that were slightly detected in the medium from non-embryogenic cell cultures; we also detected a band at 15 kDa that could not be observed in the medium from non-embryogenic cell suspensions. These results suggest that the development of embryogenic callus and cell suspensions is related to the type and amount of intracellular proteins in the callus cells and to the secreted proteins from these cells into the medium.     

Identification of marker compounds for discriminating between embryogenic and nonembryogenic calluses of higher plants using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry and genetic programming

When whole cells are subjected to pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) analysis, it provides biochemical profiles containing overlapping signals of the majority of compounds. To determine marker compounds that discriminate embryogenic calluses from nonembryogenic calluses, samples of embryogenic and nonembryogenic calluses of five higher plant species were subjected to Py-GC/MS. Genetic programming of Py-GC/MS data was able to discriminate embryogenic calluses from nonembryogenic calluses. The content ratio of 5-meyhyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxaldehyde was greater in nonembryogenic calluses than in embryogenic calluses. However, the content ratio of phenol, p-cresol, and¹H-indole in embryogenic calluses was 1.2 to 2.4 times greater than the ratio in nonembryogenic calluses. These pyrolysates seem to be derived from the components of the cell walls, which suggests that differences in cell wall components or changes in the architecture of the cell wall play a crucial role in determining the embryogenic competence of calluses.     

Somatic embryogenesis and bud formation from immature embryos of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.)

Immature embryos of Fagopyrum esculentum cv. Pennquad were isolated from field-grown plants and cultured on media containing a high benzylaminopurine to indole-3-acetic acid ratio. Part of the embryos were grown in the presence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and kinetin for the first 5 days, and then transferred to benzylaminopurine + indole-3-acetic acid medium. From callus tissues developed on hypocotyls and cotyledons, 3 types of tissue were selected in later subcultures: (a) callus tissue strains that produced buds, (b) embryogenic tissue, and (c) unorganized callus tissue, lacking any organogenic capacity. Pretreatment with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid increased the number of explants which gave rise to bud forming and embryogenic tissue, but was not essential for morphogenesis. Somatic embryogenesis was confirmed by histological observation. Plantlets could be easily obtained by inducing adventitious roots on shoots, but spontaneous root development in somatic embryos was infrequent.Abbreviations BAP benzylaminopurine - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - 2,4-D dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid     

Embryogenesis and plant regeneration from anther culture of bamboo (Sinocalamus latiflora (Munro) McClure)

Embryogenic callus was initiated from bamboo (Sinocalumus satiflora (Munro) McClure) anthers cultured on N₆ medium supplemented with 1 mg/l 2,4-D, 1 mg/l BA, 2 g/l charcoal, 0.8% agar (Sigma) and 9% sucrose. Anthers with microspores at miduninucleate to early-binucleate stages showed better rate of response for callus induction. Prolonged culture of these embryogenic calli on the original medium or subculture to an auxin-free medium resulted in embryoid formation and their subsequent germination to form rooted plantlets. Chromosome counts from root-tip cells of anther-derived plant indicated that they were haploid (N=36).Abbreviations N₆ Chu et al. (1975) - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - BA 6-benzylaminopurine     

Marker proteins for embryogenic differentiation patterns in pea callus

Polypeptide pattern alterations during somatic embryogenesis were investigated using callus cultures of two Pisum sativum genotypes. Both genotypes show the formation of two different callus lines from the same explant after six to eight weeks in culture: a nodular yellowish callus line, which forms somatic embryoids in suspension cultures (e⁺) and a white compact callus line with no regenerative capacity (e^–). The cytosol proteins of the two different callus lines were separated in a semi-preparative two-dimensional system and the polypeptide patterns were compared. Two protein bands were found (P1: M_r=45000 D, pI=7.0–7.1; P2: M_r=7000 D, pI=<4.5), which were characteristic of the putatively embryogenic (e⁺) callus line in all tissues investigated (two genotypes × two explant sources). These proteins found in nodular (e⁺) pea cultures are very similar to two proteins found in Daucus carota suspension cultures preceding the formation of somatic embryos.Abbreviations BA 6-benzyl-aminopurine - Bistris 2-(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)imino)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1.3-propanediol - PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - pI isoelectric point - TCA trichloroacetic acid - Tris tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane