Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Chinese soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> (L.) Merr.)—impacts of mannitol,abscisic acid,and explant age

From a preliminary experiment on 98 Chinese soybean varieties, 12 varieties with somatic embryogenesis frequency ranging from 0.0% to 85.7% were selected for further study in order to enhance the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. The effects of different mannitol concentrations, abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations, and embryo explant ages (sizes) were investigated. Significant differences in somatic embryogenesis were found among the 12 soybean varieties, with initiation frequencies varying from 22.1% to 89.0% under suitable mannitol concentration, and with N25281, N25263, and N06499 having the highest somatic embryogenic capacity. The results showed that all three factors were relevant for raising rates of callus initiation and somatic embryogenesis, but with differential responses among the genotypes. The treatment of 3.0% (w/v) mannitol, 5 mg l⁻¹ ABA, and a 4- to 5-mm-sized explant was found to be optimal for somatic embryogenesis, generating the highest explant-based regeneration rate at 83.0%. The greatest average number of plantlets regenerated per explant (1.35) was observed in N25281. The above results provide a basis for efficient regeneration of soybean and are informative for the development of genetic transformation systems in Chinese soybean germplasm.     

大豆体细胞胚增殖保存与萌发植株体系的建立(英文)

以大豆(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)未成熟子叶为外植体,用高浓度生长素诱导东北地区主栽大豆的18个基因型体细胞胚胎发生,诱导率为0.29％～77.62％。在此基础上成功地诱导10个大豆基因型产生可继代增殖的体细胞胚,诱导率在5.2％～22.1％之间。经在固体培养基上多次继代增殖,首次建立了可在固体培养基上继代增殖的大豆体细胞胚萌发再生体系,继代一年以上的体细胞胚仍具有萌发能力和正常育性,得到了结荚植株。此体系的建立为大豆的遗传转化提供了新的、更为有效的受体体系。     

Identification of QTL underlying somatic embryogenesis capacity of immature embryos in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

High embryogenesis capacity of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in vitro possessed potential for effective genetic engineering and tissue culture. The objects of this study were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying embryogenesis traits and to identify genotypes with higher somatic embryogenesis capacity. A mapping population, consisting of 126 F_5:6 recombinant inbred lines, was advanced by single-seed-descent from cross between Peking (higher primary and secondary embryogenesis) and Keburi (lower primary and secondary embryogenesis). This population was evaluated for primary embryogenesis capacity from immature embryo cultures by measuring the frequency of somatic embryogenesis (FSE), the somatic embryo number per explant (EPE) and the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis (ESE). A total of 89 simple sequence repeat markers were used to construct a genetic linkage map. Six QTL were associated with somatic embryogenesis. Two QTL for FSE were found, QFSE-1 (Satt307) and QFSE-2 (Satt286), and both were located on linkage group C2 that explained 45.21 and 25.97% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Four QTL for EPE (QEPE-1 on MLG H, QEPE-2 on MLG G and QEPE-3 on MLG G) were found, which explained 7.11, 7.56 and 6.12% of phenotypic variation, respectively. One QTL for ESE, QESE-1 (Satt427), was found on linkage group G that explained 6.99% of the phenotypic variation. QEPE-2 and QESE-1 were located in the similar region of MLG G. These QTL provide potential for marker assistant selection of genotypes with higher embryogenesis.     

大豆体细胞胚胎发生与农杆菌介导的遗传转化

以55个大豆基因型未成熟子叶为外植体,用高浓度2,4-D诱导大豆体细胞胚胎发生与植株再生,并对生产上种植面积大、体细胞胚胎发生率高的大豆基因型用农杆菌介导法进行遗传转化。结果表明,东北地区主栽的大豆基因型中有14个基因型体细胞胚胎发生率超过40%。用含有pGBI121S4ABC质粒的LBA4404农杆菌侵染5个东北地区主栽大豆基因型的2147个未成熟子叶,经卡那霉素抗性筛选得到12株PCR阳性植株。 Abstract：Somatic embryogenesis was induced and the regenerated plants were obtained by higher concentrations of auxins with immature cotyledon of 55 genotypes in soybean. Bivalent insect resistant genes were transformed into immature cotyledon of soybean which have high frequency of somatic embryogenesis via Agrobacterium-mediated. The results showed that 14 genotypes possessed high frequency of somatic embryogenesis (more than 40%) among soybean genotypes from Northeast area. 2147 immature cotyledons of 5 different soybean genotypes cultured in Northeast area were inoculated with LBA4404 (including pGBI121S4ABC plasmid). 12 regenerated plants selected by Kanamicy gave positive PCR reaction.     

Somatic embryogenesis from cultured epicotyls and primary leaves of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

Summary Regeneration of several varieties of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] by somatic embryogenesis from cultured epicotyls and primary leaves has been demonstrated. Somatic embryogenesis was induced from epicotyls and primary leaves when cotyledon halves with the intact zygotic embryo axes were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 mg 1⁻¹ (45.2 μM) 2,4-D. Stable, continuously proliferating globular embryo cultures (GEC) were established from small groups of somatic embryos on MS medium supplemented with 20 mg 1⁻¹ (90.5 μM) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Rapid multiplication of shoot tips from germinating somatic embryos was achieved on Cheng’s basal medium (CBO) containing 2.5 mg 1⁻¹ (11.3 μM) 6-benzyladenine. Fertile plants were obtained from individual somatic embryos and in vitro propagated adventitious shoot bud cultures.     

Genetic improvement of the somatic embryogenesis and regeneration in soybean and transformation of the improved breeding lines

Somatic embryos of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] have been used to generate transgenic plants by particle bombardment. The induction and proliferation of somatic embryos from immature cotyledons are dependent on the genotype of the cultivar. Whereas somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration are inefficient in most cultivars, they are efficient in the cultivar Jack. We previously established a breeding line, QF2, by the integration of null mutations of each subunit of the major seed storage proteins glycinin and β-conglycinin, but the embryogenic response of this line is insufficient to allow efficient transformation. We have now backcrossed QF2 to cultivar Jack in order to combine the null traits with competence for somatic embryogenesis. The backcrossed breeding lines selected on the basis of the absence of the major storage proteins exhibited an improved capacity for the induction and proliferation of somatic embryos compared with that of QF2. The induced somatic embryogenic tissue of these breeding lines was successfully used for the production of transgenic plants by particle bombardment. These results also indicate that somatic embryogenesis in soybean is genetically controlled and inherited in a manner independent of the null traits of the major seed storage proteins.     

Recovery of primary transformants of soybean

Three transformants of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., have been recovered among a total of 18 plants regenerated by somatic embryogenesis from immature cotyledon tissues after cocultivation with Agrobacterium strains carrying a 15 kD zein gene (pH5PZ3D). DNA from upper leaves hybridized to a synthetic RNA probe specific for the zein sequence at a level equivalent to at least one copy per haploid genome. Hybridization to a vir G/C probe, however, was negligible, indicating that sequestration of whole bacteria or even persistence of plasmids within the tissues could not account for the zein hybridization signals. Progeny of all plants were uniformly untransformed. Since most somatic embryos have a multicellular origin in the regeneration system used, it is believed that the primary transformants were chimeric. The results indicate that somatic embryogenesis may be adaptable to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in soybean, but that greater numbers of mitotic cycles under selection before embryo initiation will be required if somatic embryogenesis is to be used efficiently for production of plants with transformed germ-line cells.Abbreviations NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid This paper (No. 88-3-267) is published with the approval of the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.     

不同基因型玉米的再生能力和胚性与非胚性愈伤组织DNA的差异

研究了细胞分裂素在玉米愈伤组织诱导和植株再生中的作用,结果表明低浓度（０ ．２ ｍｇ／Ｌ） 的细胞分裂素能促进玉米幼胚诱导的愈伤组织再生,６ＢＡ 的效果比ＫＴ更好。不同品种的玉米幼胚诱导的愈伤组织的再生能力差异显著,普甜１ 号和苏玉１ 号的再生频率高达７８ ％ 和７５ ％ ,糯玉米和掖单９ 号仅为１０ ％ 和８ ％ 。植株再生途径也有所不同,普甜１ 号以器官发生为主要途径,苏玉１号则以体胚发生途径为主。经长期继代的愈伤组织失去再生能力,通过ＲＡＰＤ 方法比较发现胚性与非胚性愈伤组织的基因组之间存在差异,说明组织培养过程中愈伤组织的ＤＮＡ 发生了变异。     

Soybean somatic embryogenesis: interactions between sucrose and auxin

The interaction between sucrose and auxin in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) somatic embryogenesis was investigated by culturing immature cotyledon explants on factorial combinations of NAA (6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/l) and sucrose (0.5, 1, 2 and 4%). A significant interaction between sugar and auxin was observed; balanced concentrations of the two components were required for optimal embryo production and normality. The highest numbers of normal somatic embryos were produced on media which contained combinations of low to intermediate levels of sucrose (1 or 2%) and NAA (6.25 or 12.5 mg/l). Cotyledon explants from induction media having a low (0.5%) sucrose content showed the most efficient embryogenesis in secondary culture. The highest frequencies of germination (32 to 41%) were seen among embryos induced on media containing 0.5% sucrose.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid This paper (No. 88-3-161) is published with the approval of the Director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Direct Primary Somatic Embryogenesis and Shoot Formation from Immature Leaves of Manihot esculenta

Primary somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis in vitro could be directly induced from immature leaves of cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) with higher concentration ( 10 to 80 mg/L) of NAA. Compared with 4 mg/L 2,4-D on the induction and regeneration system, NAA showed some advantageous characteristics, that is, NAA could direcfiy induce both primary somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis, whereas 2,4-D could only induce somatic embryogenesis. NAA induced somatic embryogenesis much quicker, producing visible somatic embryos within 9 to 13 days and shoot (tips) within 10 to 14 days, than 2,4-D, which would induce visible somatic embryos after 15 days. Plant regeneration from the NAA-induced somatic embryos was as high as 48%, but was only 4.1% from that of 2,4-D. The test also showed that primary somatic embryogenesis or shoot organogenesis could be induced directly from immature leaves in 12 out of 16 cassava varieties.     

Comparison of somatic embryogenesis and embryo conversion in commercial soybean cultivars

Six commercially important soybean cultivars and one control cultivar were compared for differences in induction-efficiency of somatic embryogenesis, primary embryo yield, and embryo conversion. Cotyledons from immature seeds of similar developmental stage for all soybean cultivars were used for embryo induction. The experiments utilized a Latin square design to exclude the effect of differential lighting and position due to plate location in the growth chamber on the embryogenesis process. Results indicated that the efficiency of embryo induction and yield of primary somatic embryos were genotype-dependent. In contrast, no dependence on genotype was observed for the conversion of embryos to form roots and shoots. The percentage of cotyledons that gave a positive embryogenic response ranged from 26 to 89% for the soybean cultivars tested. The average number of primary globular-stage embryos per responding cotyledon after one month on induction medium ranged from 6 to 13 among the seven cultivars. Conversion frequencies for all genotypes ranged from 27 to 45%.     

大豆体细胞胚胎发生影响因素的研究

研究了影响大豆幼胚培养体细胞胚胎发生频率的9个因素。诱导体细胞胚胎发生的适宜幼胚长度为4mm;随着供体植株发育阶段的提高诱导频率下降;最适基本培养基为MS培养基; 蔗糖浓度从1.5％提高到9％,诱导频率逐渐下降;过高的维生素B1浓度对胚胎发生不利;2,4 — D的诱导效果优于NAA,适宜的2,4—D浓度为20ppm; 光、暗处理与生长素种类和浓度之间存在交互作用,接种方式对诱导频率影响很大,体细胞胚只在下表皮与培养基接触的幼子叶的上表皮上产生,当上表皮与培养基接触时,两个表皮都不能产生体细胞胚;被试的所有基因型都能被诱导胚胎发生,不同基因型的诱导频率存在差异。     

Evaluation of embryological potential of soybean cultivars zoned in forest, steppe, and marshy woodlands of Ukraine as essential stage for the further transformation

Seven soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars zoned in forest-steppe and marshy woodlands of Ukraine: "Chernuatka", "Vasylkivska", "Kyivska-91", "Kyivska-27", "Marjana", "Chernobura" and "Altair" were established in vitro for somatic embryogenesis inducing. Cultivars "Marjana" (88%) and "Vasylkivska" (86%) demonstrated the highest embryogenic capacity among all the tested cultivars. During the further plant regeneration cultivars "Marjana" and "Kyivska-91" showed the best capacity to form adult plants despite the fact that embryogenic capability of the cultivar "Kyivska-91" was 71%. According to the obtained data three genotypes were selected for the further investigation of effective methods of biolictic transformation of ukrainian cultivars.     

大豆主栽品种体细胞胚胎发生的影响因素及再生植株

Factors on in vitro somatic embryogenesis of soybean (three elite cultivars) were studied using cotyledons of 3.0-6.0 mm immature seed as explants. Not only the kinds, concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulatory substances but also immature embryo length and inoculum density have main effects on the approaches of embryogenesis. The results of two-factors analysis of variance experiments showed that immature embryo length, plant growth substance concentration and basic medium type have very significant effects on the frequency of embryogenic response, furthermore, interactions exist between the former two factors and are just very significant(at 1% level). The best combinations between 2,4-D concentration and cotyledon length are 10 mg/L 2,4-D & 4.0 mm immature embryos, 20-40 mg/L 2,4-D & 5.0 mm immature embryo. Under these combinations, the salt composition of E1 are very significantly better than that of MS. In conclusion, in the regeneration system established by us the frequency of somatic embryogenesis from the soybean immature cotyledons is greater than 50% and the frequency of conversion of normal (not fused) somatic embryos is about 52.9%-62.6%.     

Towards normalization of soybean somatic embryo maturation

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) somatic embryos have been useful for assaying seed-specific traits prior to plant recovery. Such traits could be assessed more accurately if somatic embryos more closely mimicked seed development. Amino acid supplements, carbon source, and abscisic acid and basal salt formulations were tested in an effort to modify existing soybean embryogenesis histodifferentiation/maturation media to further normalize the development of soybean somatic embryos. The resultant liquid medium, referred to as soybean histodifferentiation and maturation medium (SHaM), consists of FNL basal salts, 3% sucrose, 3% sorbitol, filter-sterilized 30 mM glutamine and 1 mM methionine. SHaM-derived somatic embryos are more similar to seed in terms of protein and fatty acid/lipid composition, and conversion ability, than somatic embryos obtained from traditional soybean histodifferentiation and maturation media.     

Comparative analysis of embryogenic potential of soybean cultivars zoned in different eco-geographic world regions

Embryogenic potential of 19 soybean cultivars originated from different eco-geographic regions (Europe, China, America and Far East) has been established and analyzed. Cultivars TSZ-14, Amurskaja-111, Gribovskaja mestnaja were emphasized as highly embryogenic genotypes. Cultivar Mantherova biela vel. revealed the highest embryogenic potential (80%). The comparison of embryogenic potential of the Ukrainian cultivars with given data indicated various parameters which could affect the induction of soybean somatic embryogenesis. It had also been supposed that cultivars from the Far East and Europe could have the potential for further screening of new highly embryogenic genotypes. The data obtained enlarge the data base pool of the soybean somatic embryogenesis research and enable using the most appropriate cultivars for further genetic improvement.     

Shoot regeneration and somatic embryogenesis from needles of redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don.) Endl.)

A rapid and effective system of somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis from the in vitro needles of redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don.) Endl.) had been established. The influences of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and days of seedlings in vitro on adventitious bud regeneration and somatic embryogenesis were studied. The process of somatic embryo formation was also observed. The results showed that embryogenic callus was induced and proliferated on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium with BA (0.5 mg/l), KT (0.5 mg/l) and IBA (1.0 mg/l). SH medium containing BA (0.5 mg/l), KT (0.2 mg/l) and IBA (0.2 mg/l) effectively promoted adventitious bud regeneration. The highest frequency (66.3%) of direct somatic embryogenesis was obtained in the combination of BA (0.5 mg/l) and IBA (0.5 mg/l). The optimal days of seedling in vitro for adventitious bud and somatic embryogenesis were 30 days and 30–40 days, respectively. The developments of somatic embryos were similar to that of zygotic embryogenesis. The result of histocytological studies indicated that proteins were gradually accumulated in the process of somatic embryo formation and there were two peaks of starch grains accumulation that one was in the embryogenic callus and the other was in the globular embryos. These results indicated that starch and protein were closely related with the energy supply and the molecular base of somatic embryogenesis, respectively.     

Isolation and Functional Characterization of a SERK Gene from Soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> (L.) Merr.)

It is well accepted that somatic embryogenesis serves a primary role in plant regeneration. However, it is also a model system to explore the regulatory and morphogenetic events in the life of a plant. To date, a suite of genes that serve important roles in somatic embryogenesis have been isolated and identified. In the present study, a novel gene designated as GmSERK1 was isolated from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr). Sequence and structural analysis determined that the GmSERK1 protein, which encodes 624 amino acids, belongs to the somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK) gene family. GmSERK1 shared all the characteristic domains of the SERK family, including five leucine-rich repeats, one proline-rich region motif, transmembrane domain, and kinase domains. DNA gel blot analysis indicated that a single copy of the GmSERK1 gene resides in the soybean genome. The GmSERK1 tissue-specific and induced expression patterns were explored using quantitative real-time PCR. Dissimilar expression levels in various tissues under different treatments were found. In addition, transient expression experiments in onion epidermal cells indicated that the GmSERK1 protein was located on the plasma membrane. The results from this study suggested that GmSERK1, a member of the SERK gene family, exhibits a broader role in various aspects of plant development and function, in addition to its basic functions in somatic embryogenesis.     

Regeneration of soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> L. Merrill) through direct somatic embryogenesis from the immature embryonic shoot tip

We describe here a simple and efficient system of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) regeneration through direct somatic embryogenesis by using immature embryonic shoot tips (IEST) as explants. The cultivar Kaohsiung 10 (cv. K10) used in this study did not show embryogenic response either from mature seed-derived explants (cotyledon, embryonic tip, leaf, shoot and root) or immature cotyledons. However, it showed a high percentage (55.8%) of somatic embryo (SEm) formation from the IEST excised 2–3 wk after flowering, thus indicating the crucial roles of type and age of explants. The IEST put forth primary SEm after 2 mo of culturing on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6% sucrose, 164.8 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 5 mM asparagine and 684 μM glutamine. Subsequently, secondary SEm were developed 1 mo after culturing on MS medium containing 123.6 μM 2,4-D and 3% sucrose. Cotyledonary embryos were induced on MS medium supplemented with 0.5% activated charcoal after 1 mo. The embryos were desiccated for 72–96 h on sterile Petri dishes and regenerated on hormone-free MS medium. Plantlets with well-developed shoots and roots were obtained within 5–6 mo of culturing of IEST. The SEm-derived plants were morphologically normal and fertile. Various parameters thought to be responsible for efficient regeneration of soybean through somatic embryogenesis are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first report to employ IEST as explants for successful direct somatic embryogenesis in soybean.     

Somatic embryogenesis in soybean via somatic embryo cycling

Summary The objectives of the present research were: a) to develop an efficient soybean embryogenic regeneration system characterized by a high frequency of explant response and a large number of somatic embryos per explant; b) to evaluate the factors affecting somatic embryogenesis via somatic embryo cycling; and c) to identify the origin of somatic embryos in the system. A highly improved and efficient system for soybean somatic embryogenesis was established using somatic embryo cotyledons and somatic embryo hypocotyl/radicle explants plated on α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) supplemented MS basal media. The system included somatic embryo cycling between liquid and solid medium and it consistently gave rise to a much higher frequency of explant response and a larger number of embryos per responding explant than those obtained from zygotic cotyledon explant tissues. Genotype, differences were observed for response in some of the treatments with cv “Fayette” being more responsive than “J103”. Histological studies revealed that somatic embryos induced in the somatic embryo cycling system originated almost exclusively from epidermal cells on both 2,4-D and NAA inductive media. The cells of the epidermis proliferated to produce somatic embryos directly without an intervening callus phase. A single-cell origin of somatic embryos was observed in cultures on a 40 mg/liter 2,4-D treatment. A large number of responding cells in the epidermis was also observed in the 10 mg/liter NAA treatment. The single-cell origin of somatic embryos from epidermal layers of the explant tissues should facilitate development of an efficient transformation system for soybean.