Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf tissue of jojoba

A protocol was developed for the induction, maturation and germination of somatic embryos from leaf tissue of jojoba [Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider]. Explants were placed on their adaxial sides in Petri dishes and maintained in darkness on half-strength Murashige and Skoog basal medium (MS/2). Combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (1.35–4.52 μM) with 6-benzylaminopurine (1.33–4.43μM) and 2 synthetic cytokinins, N-(2-chloro-4pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (1.21–4.03μM) or (E)-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-but-2-enylamino] purine (1.11–3.71μM) resulted in formation of embryogenic cultures and somatic embryos. After two 30-day subcultures, embryogenic cultures were transferred onto MS/2 medium supplemented with different auxins and cytokinins. Somatic embryo maturation, germination and plantlet formation were achieved using 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (3.75μM) or indole-3-butyric acid (3.44μM) in combination with BA (0.44 or 1.33μM) or F3iP (0.37 or 1.11μM). Histology confirmed each stage of development. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from petioles of Parthenocissus tricuspidata planch

Summary A protocol of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from petiole segments of Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch. has been developed. Embryogenic tissue was induced on B5 (Gamborg) basal medium supplemented with 2.25–9.0 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 500 mg l⁻¹ casein hydrolysate (CH), and 0.1 gl⁻¹ activated charcoal. Somatic embryos were induced on B5 medium containing various concentrations of benzyladenine (BA) (4.44, 6.66, and 8.88 μM) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0, 0.54, and 1.61 μM) plus 500 mg l⁻¹ CH. Ninety percent of normal somatic embryos were converted into plantlets directly on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium free of plant growth regulators. Shoots could be induced from abnormal somatic embryos on MS medium containing 4.44 μM BA, 0.05 μM NAA, and 500 mg l⁻¹ CH. Genotypic differences were found in the process of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. Histological analysis confirmed the process of somatic embryogenesis. Regenerated plantlets with well-developed roots were successfully acclimatized in greenhouse and all plants showed normal morphological characteristics.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in wild cotton (Gossypium klotzschianum)

A simple and efficient method for high frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from hypocotyl-derived cultures and suspension cultures of Gossypium klotzschianum Anderss, a wild, diploid species of cotton is described here. Embryogenic cultures were induced from hypocotyl sections on MSB medium with 0.9 M 2,4-D and 2.32 M kinetin. MSB medium containing 0.045 M 2,4-D, 0.93 M kinetin, 2.46 M IBA promoted embryogenic culture proliferation and embryo development. Suspension cultures with 0.23 M 2,4-D and 0.93 M kinetin also produced many embryos. Somatic embryos cultured on MSB medium with PGRs produced secondary embryos, and embryos developed into normal plantlets on PGR-free MSB medium. Regenerated plantlets were transferred onto the quarter-strength MSB medium with 0.5% active charcoal to avoid recallusing. Hypocotyls were better than cotyledons for culture induction and plant regeneration. 2,4-D and kinetin were essential for culture induction and maintenance.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration inAzadirachta indica A. Juss

Summary Media for induction of somatic embryogenesis from immature cotyledonary tissues ofAzadirachta indica (Neem) were determined. Callus was initiated on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·liter⁻¹ of indol-3 acetic acid, 1.0 mg·liter⁻¹ of 6-benzyl amino purine, and 1000 mg·liter⁻¹ of casein hydrolysate. Effect of kinetin was also studied for embryo induction. Carbohydrate source in the form of sucrose and glucose alone and in combination was tested for embryogenic efficiency. Seventy percent embryos showed germination. Healthy plants were potted in sand and soil. Histologic studies confirmed indirect somatic embryogenesis.     

Cyclic somatic embryogenesis and efficient plant regeneration from callus of safflower

Efficient plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis was established for safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv. NARI-6. Embryogenic calli were induced from 10 to 17-d-old cotyledon and leaf explants from in vitro seedlings. High frequency (94.3 %) embryogenic callus was obtained from cotyledon explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s germination (MSG) basal medium supplemented with thidiazuron, 2-isopentenyladenine and indole-3-butyric acid. Primary, secondary and cyclic somatic embryos were formed from embryogenic calli in a different media free of plant growth regulators, however, 100 % cyclic somatic embryogenesis was obtained from cotyledon derived embryogenic calli cultured on MSG. Somatic embryos matured and germinated in quarter-strength MSG medium supplemented with gibberellic acid. Cotyledons with root poles or non root poles were converted to normal plantlets and produced adventitious roots in rooting medium. Rooted plants were acclimatized and successfully transferred to the field.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from root segments of Psoralea corylifolia L., an endangered medicinally important plant

Summary An efficient plant regeneration protocol has been developed from root explants of Psoralea corylifolia L., an endangered medicinally important herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. Nodular embryogenic callus was initiated from young root segments cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (1962) supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 2.68–13.42 μM) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2.4-D; 2.25–11.25 μM) in combination with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA: 2.2. μM). thiamine HCl (2.9 μM), L-glutamine (342.23 μM) and sucrose (3.0% w/v). The highest frequency (95.2%) of embryogenic calluses was obtained on MS medium supplemented with the growth regulators NAA (10.74 μM) and BA (2.2 μM). Development and maturation of somatic embryos was achieved after transfer of embryogenic calluses to MS medium supplemented with 1.34 μM NAA or 1.12 μM 2,4-D and 4.4–13.2 μM BA. The maximum number (13.8±1.34) of cotyledonary stage somatic embryos was obtained on MS medium containing 1.34 μM NAA and 13.2 μM BA. Germination of somatic embryos occurred on MS medium without any growth regulators and also on MS medium enriched with BA (1.1–8.8 μM), although the maximum germination frequency (76.1%) was obtained on 4.4 μM BA plus 1.45 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃). Plant regeneration without complete somatic embryo maturation was also achieved by transferring clumps of nodular embryogenic calluses onto MSO medium or MS medium supplemented with NAA (1.34 μM) and BA (2.2–8.8 μM). The highest frequency of plant regeneration (93.3%) and mean number of plantlets (15.4±0.88) were obtained on MS medium containing 1.34 μM NAA and 4.4 μM BA. Regenerated plants with well-developed root systems were transferred to pots where they grew vigorously, attained maturity and produced fertile seeds.     

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 from floral explants of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) using thidiazuron

Summary A procedure for the regeneration of cacao (Theobroma cacao) plants from staminode explants via somatic embryogenesis was developed. Rapidly growing calli were induced by culturing staminode explants on a DKW salts-based primary callus growth (PCG) medium supplemented with 20 g glucose per L, 9 μM 2,4-D, and thidiazuron (TDZ) at various concentrations. Calli were subcultured onto a WPM salts-based secondary callus growth medium supplemented with 20 g glucose per L, 9 μM 2,4-D, and 1.4 nM kinetin. Somatic embryos were formed from embryogenic calli following transfer to a hormone-free DKW salts-based embryo development medium containing sucrose. The concentration of TDZ used in PCG medium significantly affected the rate of callus growth, the frequency of embryogenesis, and the number of somatic embryos produced from each responsive explant. A TDZ concentration of 22.7 nM was found to be the optimal concentration for effective induction of somatic embryos from various cacao genotypes. Using this procedure, we recovered somatic embryos from all 19 tested cacao genotypes, representing three major genetic group types. However, among these genotypes, a wide range of variation was observed in both the frequency of embryogenesis, which ranged from 1 to 100%, and the average number of somatic embryos produced from each responsive explant, which ranged from 2 to 46. Two types of somatic embryos were identified on the basis of their visual appearance and growth behavior. A large number of cacao plants have been regenerated from somatic embryos and established in soil in a greenhouse. Plants showed morphological and growth characteristics similar to those of seed-derived plants. The described procedure may allow for the practical use of somatic embryogenesis for clonal propagation of elite cacao clones and other applications that require the production of a large number of plants from limited source materials.     

High frequency plant regeneration from anther-derived cell suspension cultures via somatic embryogenesis in Catharanthus roseus

Summary A system for high frequency plant regeneration from cell suspension cultures in Catharanthus roseus is described. Calli were obtained from anthers cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with 1 mgl^-1 -naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.1 mgl^-1 kinetin. After the second subculture on solid medium, embryogenic callus was identified and transferred to liquid medium to initiate suspension cultures. Cells dispersed finely in the medium were subcultured at 14-day intervals. Upon plating onto the basal medium, yellowish compact colonies proliferated from the cells and more than 80% of them gave rise to somatic embryos. Subsequently, plantlets developed from the embryos. Both the plantlets and the source plants showed the normal somatic chromosome number of 2n=2x=16.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog - MSNK MS medium + 1 mgl^-1 NAA + 0.1 mgl^-1 kinetin - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendt

Callus cultures with globular proembryogenic structures were induced from zygotic embryos and hypocotyl segments of Cyphomandra betacea on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D. Proembryogenic structures produced somatic embryos and plantlets on regulator-free basal medium. Pieces of embryogenic callus subcultured on medium with the same original composition gave rise to new globular structures and the potential for plantlet regeneration has been maintained for over a year. The histological examination of these proembryogenic structures suggested that somatic embryos arise from single cells. Regenerated plants are phenotypically normal, having diploid chromosome numbers (2n = 24).     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from embryonic tissues ofCamellia japonica L.

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration were achieved from immature and mature zygoticCamellia japonica embryos cultured on Murashige & Skoog's mineral medium without growth regulators or with various combinations of IBA and BAR The dependence of embryogenesis rates on growth regulator levels was not clear, though high concentrations such as 4 mg 1^-1BAP plus 2 mg 1^-1IBA were definitely inhibitory. BAP at 1 or 2 mg 1^-1 did appear to determine the formation of bud-like embryos. By far the most responsive initial explants were immature embryonic axes collected in September, 94% of which produced somatic embryos as against only 20% for embryonic axes from mature seeds collected in October. Cotyledon explants were also embryogenic. Somatic embryos differentiating directly on the hypocotyl of the embryonic axes or the surface of cotyledons passed through typical stages of embryogenesis. Indirect somatic embryogenesis via callus was also evident. Embryogenic potential was maintained by secondary embryogenesis through the successive generations of embryos.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cultured mature caryopses of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge)

Callus cultures were initiated from mature excised caryopses of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) on Murashige & Skoog medium supplemented with 20 gl^–1 sucrose and 2 mg l^–1 2,4-D. Excised mature caryopses readily germinated and callus developed at the base of coleoptiles. There was considerable variation in the amount of non-embryogenic callus among the cultures. Most of the explants produced non-embryogenic translucent callus consisting of thin-walled cells and unorganized tissue. Some of these calli gave rise only to roots. Other explants formed embryogenic calli which were distinguished morphologically as white, globular and friable. Somatic embryos developed and germinated precociously when embryogenic calli were transferred to a 2,4-D-free medium. Somatic embryogenesis was confirmed by histological sections and scanning electron microscopy. Of the 300 cultures, 35 were embryogenic but only 10 produced plants that were successfully grown to maturity.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts of sunflower (Helianthus annum L.)

A sunflower genotype (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Florom-328) able to regenerate plants from in vitro cultures was identified by screening hybrids and inbred lines. Protoplasts of this genotype were isolated from dark grown hypocotyls and were cultured in droplets of agarose-solidified V-KM medium covered by liquid V-KM supplemented with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and benzylaminopurine (BAP). One week later colonies were subjected to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid for a one week period. Further culture in V-KM with reduced concentrations of NAA and BAP resulted in the appearence of somatic embryos. Maturation of embryos was achieved by culture on MS medium supplemented with NAA, BAP, gibberellic acid A₃ and the ethylene inhibitor AgNO₃. Embryos were then transferred onto hormone free MS medium for germination. The frequency of shoot formation in the best case was 9.6 percent of viable colonies (1.3 percent of protoplasts plated). Some of the shoots with roots could be transplanted into soil, others were grafted on hypocotyls of in vivo germinated seedlings. Eighty percent of grafted shoots and over 95 percent of rooted shoots survived. The plants flowered and produced 5 to 10 seeds each. Factors affecting the frequency of embryo formation and plant regeneration are discussed.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - GA3 gibberellic acid - MES morpholinoethanesulfonic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog medium - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - V-KM protoplast culture medium of Binding and Nehls - 2,4D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures ofNardostachys jatamansi

Callus cultures ofNardostachys jatamansi DC, an endangered medicinal and aromatic plant, were established using petiole explants on MS medium supplemented with 16.1 µM -naphthaleneacetic acid and 1.16 µM kinetin. Embryogenesis in these callus cultures took place only upon sequential subculture of the callus on media having gradually decreasing auxin (16.1 to 1.34 µM NAA) and simultaneously increasing cytokinin (1.16 to 9.30 µM kinetin) concentrations over a period of 7 months. Somatic embryo to plantlet conversion took place on a medium containing 9.30 µM kinetin and 1.34 µM NAA.     

Direct somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from protoplasts of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd

Protolasts of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium were prepared from stem node-derived embryogenic calli with an enzyeme mixture, in which snailase was a necessary component. Follolwing cell wall regeneration protoplasts divided and directly formed somatic embryos which developed into plantlets. The conditions favorable to direct embryo formation were investigated, and the nature of the callus used for protoplast preparation was found to be a critical factor. The osmotic concentration and the composition of the culture medium including the phytohormone combinations were also important.     

Efficient plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from callus induced on mature rice embryos (Oryza sativa L.)

To obtain a reproducible efficient procedure for regeneration of rice plants through somatic embryogenesis from callus four published methods of callus induction and regeneration were compared. Callus was initiated from mature embryos of the Japonica cultivar Taipei 309 of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The number, mass and morphology of the callus formed on the scutellum were dependent on the medium used. A limited humidity and an optimal aeration of the culture vessels enhanced the frequency of embryogenesis and plant regeneration. A method described by Poonsapaya et al. (1989) was found to be the most efficient and was slightly modified. As a result 98% of the T309 embryos formed callus, of which 63% regenerated into plants. Each callus yielded an average of 6 plants. Plant morphology, fertility and seed set of the regenerants were found to be normal.Abbreviations 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA 3-indole-acetic acid - BA 6-benzyladeninepurine - S.E.M. standard error of mean     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature inflorescence segments of Coix lacryma-jobi

Callus was obtained from segments of immature inflorescence of Coix lacryma-jobi cultured on N6 medium containing 1–2 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 3–5% sucrose. Plantlets were regenerated when embryogenic calluses were transferred onto MS medium with 0.5 mg/l kinetin and 0.01 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Regenerated plants had the diploid chromosome number (2n=20).     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature zygotic embryos of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis> (Meliaceae)

Summary A procedure for the regeneration of ‘paradise tree’ (Melia azedarach, Meliaceae) plants from immature zygotic embryos via somatic embryogenesis was developed. Somatic embryos were induced from explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.45, 4.54, or 13.62 μM thidiazuron. Histological examination revealed that somatic embryos were induced directly from the explants. Further development of somatic embryos was accomplished with Murashige and Skoog medium at quarter-strength with 3% sucrose. A large number of plants were regenerated from somatic embryos and successfully established in soil in a greenhouse. These plants are morphologically similar to those of seed-derived plants. This system may be beneficial for mass propagation as well as for genetic manipulation of the ‘paradise tree’.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant development from anther culture of Vitis vinifera (L.)

Anthers from Frumoasa alba (White beauty), Otilia, Valerien, Mission and Siegfried Rebe (FS₄) cultivars were cultured at the uninucleate stage of the microspore on Murashige and Skoog (1962) and Nitsch and Nitsch (1969) media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (4.9 M) and benzyladenine (4.4 M). The primary calli were subcultured on MS medium with 6.6 M BA and 1.1 M indolylacetic acid, in order to induce their growth and plant regeneration. After seven months, vegetative buds were obtained with Frumoasa alba (2.7%), Otilia (0.3%), Valerien (4.5%), embryogenic callus was obtained with Mission and plant regeneration with Siegfried Rebe. Long term embryogenesis was maintained in Mission cv. for four years, by selection and regular transfer of the embryogenic areas of anther-derived calli. The embryogenic calli have the ability to generate abnormal somatic embryos with one, two or three cotyledons and cup or trumpet-shaped with fused cotyledons. In parallel with the embryogenic process, organogenesis with buds, leaf and shoot differentiation was regularly observed.     

Organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures in Muscari armeniacum Leichtl. ex Bak.

Summary Establishment of fast-growing, highly regenerable callus cultures was examined in Muscari armeniacum Leichtl. ex Bak. in order to develop an efficient genetic transformation system. High-frequency callus formation was obtained from leaf explants of cv. Blue Pearl on media containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram, PIC). Fast-growing, yellowish nodular callus lines and white friable callus lines containing a few somatic embryos were established on initiation medium supplemented with 4.5 μM 2,4-D and with 54 μM NAA, respectively. The yellowish nodular calluses vigorously produced shoot buds after transfer to media containing 0.44–44 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), whereas the white friable calluses produced numerous somatic embryos upon transfer to plant growth regulator-free (PGR-F) medium. Histological observation of shoot buds and somatic embryos indicated that the former consisted of an apparent shoot meristem and several leaf primordia, and the latter had two distinct meristematic regions, corresponding to shoot and root meristems. Both shoot buds and somatic embryos developed into complete plantlets on PGR-F medium. Regenerated plants showed no observable morphological alterations. High proliferation and regeneration ability of these calluses, were maintained for over 2 yr.