Characterization and regeneration of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) embryogenic cell suspension cultures

Summary Stable cell suspension cultures were established from two types of calli (one compact, nodular and embryogenic, the other friable and embryogenic) derived from cultured immature embryos of wheat (cv FLA302). Only aged calli, which had been subcultured for at least 5–8 months, formed suspensions comprised mainly of groups of small, round, densely cytoplasmic, starch-containing cells. Only the embryogenic suspension derived from the aged, compact and nodular callus formed distinct somatic embryos when plated on regeneration media containing IAA and zeatin. Upon subsequent transfer to fresh regeneration medium more than 200 green rooted plants were obtained.Abbreviations 6-BA 6-benzylaminopurine - CH casein hydrolysate - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - PCV packed cell volume     

Factors affecting transient gene expression in protoplasts isolated from very slowly growing embryogenic callus cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Protoplasts isolated from embryogenic (Mustang and Chinese Spring) and non-embryogenic (Mit) calli of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes transiently expressed -glucuronidase (GUS) activity when electroporated with a plasmid containing the GUS gene and driven by an enhanced 35S promoter and a TMV leader sequence. Conditions for the maximum expression of GUS activity were: electroporation of the freshly isolated protoplasts at 250 Vcm^-1 and 250 F for 2 s using 50 g/ml of plasmid DNA; incubation of the protoplasts with the plasmid before the pulse for 2 h; and a 15-min recovery period on ice after the pulse. In general, a higher GUS activity was obtained in protoplasts of non-embryogenic (NE) callus origin than in those of embryogenic (E) callus origin. Only GUS constructs containing a duplicate 35S promoter derivative resulted in a significant level of GUS expression. The presence of the TMV viral leader sequence in the pAGUS1-TN2 plasmid construct resulted in a significant increase of GUS activity in the electroporated protoplasts of both callus types. On the other hand, protoplasts electroporated with the Adh1 promoter and intron showed a threefold less GUS activity than those electroporated with pAGUS1-TN2. Optimized conditions for DNA uptake and expression were very similar for protoplasts of both callus types. The importance of these findings for the successful regeneration of transgenic and fertile wheat plants is discussed.     

Fertile wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) regenerants from protoplasts of embryogenic suspension culture

We report regeneration of fertile, green plants from wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Aura) protoplasts isolated from an embryogenic suspension initiated from somatic early-embryogenic callus. The present approach combines the optimization of protoplast culture conditions with screening for responsive genotypes. In addition to the dominant effect of the culture media, the increase in fresh mass and the embryogenic potential of somatic callus cultures varied considerably between the various genotypes tested. Establishment of suspension cultures with the required characters for protoplast isolation was improved by reduction of the ratio between cells and medium and by less frequent (monthly) transfer into fresh medium. A new washing solution was introduced to avoid the aggregation of protoplasts. However, the influence of the culture medium on cell division was variable in the different genotypes. We could identify cultures from cultivar Aura that showed approximately a 9% cell division frequency and morphogenic response. The protoplast-derived microcolonies formed both early and late-embryogenic callus on regeneration medium and green fertile plants were obtained through somatic embryogenesis. The reproducibility of plant regeneration from protoplast culture based on the cultivar Aura was demonstrated by several independent experiments. The maintenance of regeneration potential in Aura suspension cultures required establishment of new cultures within a 9-month period.     

Molecular analysis of plants regenerated from embryogenic cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Total DNAs of plants regenerated from immature embryo-derived 2-month-old embryogenic calli of wheat (cultivars Florida 302, Chris, Pavon, RH770019) were probed with six maize mitochondrial genes (atpA, atp6, apt9, coxI, coxII, rrn18-rrn5), three hypervariable wheat mitochondrial clones (K, K3, X2), five random pearl millet mitochondrial clones (4A9, 4D1, 4D12, 4E1, 4E11) and the often-used wheat Nor locus probe (pTA71), in order to assess the molecular changes induced in vitro. In addition, protoplast-derived plants, and 24-month-old embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli and cell suspension cultures of Florida 302 were also analyzed. No variation was revealed by the wheat or millet mitochondrial clones. Qualitative variation was detected in the nonembryogenic suspension culture by three maize mitochondrial genes (coxI, rrn18-rrn5, atp6). A callus-specific 3.8-kb Hind III fragment was detected in all four cultivars after hybridization with the coxI gene. The organization of the Nor locus of the plants regenerated from Florida 302 and Chris was stable when compared to their respective control plants and calli. The Nor locus in regenerants of Pavon and RH, on the other hand, was found to be variable. However, Nor locus variability was not observed in 14 individual seed-derived control plants from either Pavon or RH sources. In Pavon, a 3.6-kb Taq I or a 5.6-kb Bam HI+ Eco RI fragment was lost after regeneration. In one of the RH regenerants, which lost a fragment, an additional fragment was observed.     

Transformation of protoplasts and intact cells from slowly growing embryogenic callus of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A procedure for culturing protoplasts from slowly growing embryogenic calli of wheat was developed. The procedure was dependent on the ability to isolate large numbers of culturable protoplasts from slowly growing embryogenic callus. Approximately 68% of the isolated protoplasts divided, and 22% formed colonies; of the latter, 67% continued to proliferate. Plating efficiency was reduced when protoplasts were transformed by polythylene glycol, electroporation, and/or Agrobacterium. Intact cells were also directly transformed by electroporation. Direct electroporation of the Agrobacterium binary vector into intact cells resulted in a significant increase of GUS activity over the control.     

Culture of and fertile plant regeneration from regenerable embryogenic suspension cell-derived protoplasts of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Regenerable embryogenic cell suspensions initiated from immature embryo-derived friable, fast growing, embryogenic calli of GK Ságvári winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) served as sources of protoplasts, which were cultured in different liquid or agarose-solidified media. Protocallus formation was best on KM_8p (Kao and Michayluk 1975) and GM (Li and Murai 1990) media, and protocallus growth on MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) callus growing medium. Green shoot/plant regeneration occurred on MS regenerating medium, and rooting on MS or N6M (Mórocz et al. 1990) hormone-free media. Protocalli maintained their morphogenic capacity over 4 months, and with multiple subcultures on half-strength MS regenerating medium, the total number of regenerants could be increased. Approximately 1000 shoots/plants were regenerated and over 500 plants were transplanted in the greenhouse. The majority of them had an abnormal chromosome number and low viability, however, one plant grew to maturity and set seed.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - ECS embryogenic cell suspension - GA₃ gibberellic acid - GM General medium - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - MS Murashige and Skoog medium - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - RECS regenerable embryogenic cell suspension     

Combining abilities and heritability of callus formation and plantlet regeneration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) anther cultures

Summary Frequency of callus formation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) anthers cultured in vitro and the frequency of subsequent plantlet formation from such calli were examined in a diallel population produced from five inbred spring wheat cultivars. Two of the five cultivars were believed to possess relatively high frequencies of response and the other three relatively low response frequencies, based on previous studies. General and specific combining abilities were estimated and found to be highly significant for both traits. Reciprocal effects were also estimated and were highly significant for both traits. Of the 25 entries, the largest mean callus formation frequency was observed on anthers of Kitt x Olaf, while the largest mean plantlet formation frequency was observed using anthers of the cultivar, Fielder. No significant correlation was observed between the two traits. Heritability estimates in the range of 0.6–0.7 suggested, however, that both traits were highly heritable, so that rapid gain from selection for these traits should be possible. Current limitations due to genetic variation in responses therefore may not constitute a major obstacle to application of in vitro techniques by wheat breeders.Scientific Article No. 3710 Contribution No. 6686 of the Maryland Agric. Exp. Stn., Dept. of Agronomy, College Park, MD 20742, and USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA     

Identification of callus types for long-term maintenance and regeneration from commercial cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Immature embryos, inflorescences, and anthers of eight commercial cultivars of Triticum aestivum (wheat) formed embryogenic callus on a variety of media. Immature embryos (1.0–1.5 mm long) were found to be most suitable for embryogenic callus formation while anthers responded poorly; inflorescences gave intermediate values. Immature embryos of various cultivars showed significant differences in callus formation in response to 11 of the 12 media tested. No significant differences were observed when the embryos were cultred under similar conditions on MS medium with twice the concentration of inorganic salts, supplemented with 2,4-D, casein hydrolysate and glutamine. Furthermore, with inflorescences also no significant differences were observed. Explants on callus formation media formed two types of embryogenic calli: an off-white, compact, and nodular callus and a white compact callus. Upon successive subcultures (approximately 5 months), the nodular embryogenic callus became more prominent and was identified as aged callus. The aged callus upon further subculture, formed an off-white, soft, and friable embryogenic callus. Both the aged and friable calli maintained their embryogenic capacity over many subculture passages (to date up to 19 months). All embryogenic calli (1 month old) from the different callus-forming media, irrespective of expiant source, formed only green shoots on regeneration media that developed to maturity in the greenhouse. There were no significant differences in the response of calli derived from embryos and inflorescences cultured on the different initiation media. Also, the shoot-forming capacity of the cultivars was not significantly different. Anther-derived calli formed the least shoots. Aged and friable calli on regeneration media also formed green shoots but at lower frequencies. Plants from long-term culture have also been grown to maturity in soil.Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-00494     

Callus formation and plantlet regeneration from protoplasts derived from suspension cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Protoplasts were isolated from anther-derived suspension cultures of commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chris). The protoplasts were released enzymatically and isolated by centrifugation on a sucrose cushion. The isolated protoplasts were initially cultured in a liquid medium in the dark. Numerous microcalli were produced under these conditions, some of which differentiated into globular embryos. Upon transfer to a solid medium and exposure to 16h/8h light/dark cycle, the protocalli proliferated and many of the somatic embryos matured. Complete plantlets were obtained and maintained in sterile culture.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - MES 2-[N-morpholino] ethanesulfonic acid     

Metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in cell suspension cultures of soybean (Glycine max L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Cell suspension cultures of soybean (Glycine max L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) incorporated 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) into a metabolite fraction which was insoluble in ethanol, water, and hot sodium dodecylsulphate. Further treatment with hot dimethylformamide solubilized a material which by the following criteria appeared to consist of 2,4-D derivatives covalently bound to lignin: i) co-chromatography of radioactivity and of UV-absorbing material upon gel permeation chromatography; ii) spectral similarity with authentic lignins (IR- and UV-spectra, phloroglucinol reaction), 2,4-D appeared to be incorporated as the intact molecule, as shown by comparison of ring- and sidechain-labeled 2,4-D and by detection of monohydroxylated and intact 2,4-D as the major radioactive products of acid hydrolysis. The same compounds were released from the metabolite material which could not be solubilized in dimethylformamide. The incorporation of xenobiotics or their metabolites into lignin, followed by deposition in the cell wall, is suggested as a general pathway for local excretion and detoxification by plant cells.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - 4-OH-2,5-D 4-hydroxy-2,5-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - SDS sodium dodecylsulphate - DMF dimethylformamide     

A new,endosperm-supported callus induction method for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A new, endosperm-supported callus induetion method was developed using mesocotyls of mature wheat embryos. After seed germination under aseptic condition, most of the germ tissues were cut off and only a few mm of the mesocotyl tissue with the scutellum was used for callus induction. The seeds were placed furrow downwards in 2,4-D solution (6–8 mg l^-1). Proliferating callus tissues were already observed on the cut surface of the mesocotyls on the 2nd day after inoculation. On the MS nutrient medium, callus formation from the isolated scutella with attached mesocotyls was negligible even after 6 days. For shoot and root regeneration, the calli produced up to 10 days were removed from the seeds and transferred onto a hormone-free MS medium. As shown by histological methods, the plantlets regenerated via organogenesis.     

Transformation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) microspore-derived callus and microspores by particle bombardment

Twenty-seven bialaphos-tolerant and GUS-positive lines were produced from 2,940 callus pieces after particle bombardment of wheat microspore-derived callus. Regenerated plants were mainly of the albino type. In an attempt to avoid this problem, wheat microspores were used as target cells for particle bombardment. Pre-cultivation for a period of 3-8 days improved the frequency of GUS-expressing microspores. Helium rupture pressures between 1,100 psi and 1,800 psi, the amount of gold per bombardment (ranging from 37 µg to 300 µg) and particle size (0.6-1.0 µg) did not significantly affect transient expression. Microspore response measured as number of recovered embryos was not significantly affected by variations in helium pressure or amount of gold used, but response was significantly influenced by particle size. The highest number of GUS-expressing embryos was 3.5 embryos per 10⁶ microspores, which was obtained after 4 days of pre-cultivation, 1,350 psi rupture pressure, 0.6+1.0 µm particles (1:1) and 150 µg gold particles per bombardment.     

Initiation of embryogenic callus and suspension cultures of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.)

Embryogenic callus and suspension cultures of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) have been obtained. The whole female gametophyte was plated on a medium containing 50 mg/l glutamine, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate, 3% sucrose, 2 mg/1 2,4-D, 1 mg/1 BA and 0.2% Gelrite as a solidifying agent. Embryogenic calli could be seen as early as 5 days following culture. Histological studies indicate proliferation of pre-existing embryogenic tissue in the corrosion cavity followed by extrusion of embryogenic callus through the micropylar end of the gametophyte. Embryogenic suspension cultures were obtained by placing embryogenic callus into liquid medium. Embryogenic suspension cultures were subcultured weekly and proliferated as early-stage embryos with attached suspensors. Embryo development was obtained following transfer of the embryogenic tissue to an auxin-free medium containing 50 mM glutamine, 38 M abscisic acid, and 6% sucrose. Although embryo development could be consistently obtained, whole plants have not yet been recovered from these somatic embryos.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - ABA Abscisic acid - BA 6-Benzyladenine Salaries and research support were provided by State and Federal funds appropriated to OSU/OARDC. Journal Article No. 62–89     

Nuclear genes affecting albinism in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) anther culture

Summary Inheritance of the ability to respond in wheat anther culture was studied from 6×2 reciprocal crosses between six varieties with high and two varieties with low capacity for green plant formation and their parents, replicated in two environments. Effects of genotypes dominated embryo formation and percentages of green plants, accounting for 78.4% and 85.4% of total variation, respectively, while smaller genetic effects were indicated for regeneration. Nuclear genes could explain almost all the genotype effects in this material. Embryo formation showed heterosis over high parent for 5 of the 12 hybrids, while percentages of green plants from the hybrids were intermediate to the parents. General Combining Ability (GCA) could explain 78.8% of the variation for embryo formation among the hybrids, whereas differences in percentage of green plants were dominated by Specific Combining Ability (SCA), accounting for 67.9% of hybrid variation. A positive correlation (r=0.81^**) was observed between the genetic capacity for regeneration and green plant formation. Analysis of covariance indicated that effects causing GCA for green plant formation were mainly responsible for this correlation. A regression model with two parallel lines divided the six parent lines with high green plant formation into three groups with respect to their reactions with the two testers. The results are discussed with regard to possible involvement of two sets of nuclear genes affecting the percentage of green plants obtained in wheat anther culture: one set consisting of mainly additive effects affecting green plant percentage through an initial effect on regeneration ability, and another set of two or a few more major genes with dominance or epistatic effects uncorrelated with regeneration.     

Silicon absorption by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Although silicon (Si) is a quantitatively major inorganic constituent of higher plants the element is not considered generally essential for them. Therefore it is not included in the formulation of any of the solution cultures widely used in plant physiological research. One consequence of this state of affairs is that the absorption and transport of Si have not been investigated nearly as much as those of the elements accorded 'essential' status. In this paper we report experiments showing that Si is rapidly absorbed by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants from solution cultures initially containing Si at 0.5 mM, a concentration realistic in terms of the concentrations of the element in soil solutions. Nearly mature plants (headed out) 'preloaded' with Si absorbed it at virtually the same rate as did plants grown previously in solutions to which Si had not been added. The rate of Si absorption increased by more than an order of magnitude between the 2-leaf and the 7-8 leaf stage, with little change thereafter. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaf proteome

The wheat leaf proteome was mapped and partially characterized to function as a comparative template for future wheat research. In total, 404 proteins were visualized, and 277 of these were selected for analysis based on reproducibility and relative quantity. Using a combination of protein and expressed sequence tag database searching, 142 proteins were putatively identified with an identification success rate of 51%. The identified proteins were grouped according to their functional annotations with the majority (40%) being involved in energy production, primary, or secondary metabolism. Only 8% of the protein identifications lacked ascertainable functional annotation. The 51% ratio of successful identification and the 8% unclear functional annotation rate are major improvements over most previous plant proteomic studies. This clearly indicates the advancement of the plant protein and nucleic acid sequence and annotation data available in the databases, and shows the enhanced feasibility of future wheat leaf proteome research.     

小麦根愈伤组织胚胎发育过程研究

实验通过对６个人工合成小麦品系和对照品种“中国春”种子根愈伤组织分化形成再生植株的过程进行形态和组织切片观察,发现分化初期有２种途径,一种是从愈伤组织先形成不定胚,然后再发育成不定芽和不定根,另一种途径是直接从愈伤组织中分化发育成不定根和不定芽;分化后期不定芽和不定根生长发育有３种类型：一种是不定芽发育先于不定根,一种是不定芽与不定期不定芽和不定根生长发育有种类型：一种是不一定芽发育先于不定根,一     

Induction of phenolic compounds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tissue cultures by streptomycin

The tissue cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were induced from the mature embryos (explants) of the dry grains and grown on MS medium containing kinetin (0.1 mg/1) and 2,4 D (1.0 mg/l). The cultures were incubated for two weeks at (25+/-2) degrees C under a light/dark regime (16 h light daily). The formed calli were subcultured at the beginning of the stationary growth phase (15 days) with fresh MS medium containing 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 mg/l streptomycin elicitor and maintained for two weeks for three subcultures. A significant increase in phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity coincided with the increase of the total phenolic compounds after elicitation with streptomycin. Maximum induction was recorded during the first two weeks, then gradually declined during the rest of the experimental period, but the values attained were still markedly higher than that of the control. The endogenous cinnamic acid content was also increased significantly with the increase in PAL activity making about 2-18% of the total phenolic acids. The growth and accumulation of phenolic compounds were inversely related. However, accumulation of phenolic compounds became limited for growth of wheat tissue culture especially during the long term cultivation.     

Regeneration of plants from cryopreserved embryogenic cell suspension and callus cultures of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Successful regeneration of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants from cryopreserved embryogenic callus and cell suspension cultures is described. The cryoprotectant mixture consisting of a modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium with sucrose (5% w/v), DMSO (5% v/v) and glycerol (5% v/v) gave the highest survival rate (70%) from cell suspension cultures cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen after slow cooling (0.5 to 1.0°C/min). A cooling rate of 0.5°C/min provided a satisfactory recovery rate (30%) from cryopreserved embryogenic callus cultures and was superior to a cooling rate of 1°C/min. Regenerated plants from cell suspension and embryogenic callus cultures cryopreserved for more than four years exhibited normal morphology, growth and boll set upon transfer to soil.Abbreviations DMSO dimethylsulfoxide - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - MMS modified MS - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid     

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