The regeneration potential of wheat shoot meristems in the presence and absence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Summary Tissue cultures capable of plant regeneration were successfully initiated from extremely immature shoot meristems of 21 randomly selected genotypes of wheat on nutrient media containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). By means of scanning electron microscopy it was demonstrated that cultures consisted of teratomatous primordia, which were kept in a proliferating budding state by the 2,4-D. These are characteristic of cereal tissue cultures. Release of the primordia and outgrowth of normal shoots and roots occurred when the cultures were no longer exposed to 2,4-D. Shoot primordia which were clearly identifiable were always associated with root primordia in a quasi-bipolar fashion. Sometimes regions assumed the shape of zygotic embryos, but the transition from apparently normal embryos with scutellum to abnormal configurations with shoot and root regions was gradual. The differences between genotypes in shoot regeneration potential was minimal compared to cultures derived from explants which were taken from regions temporally and spatially more distant from the shoot apex. It is concluded that the ability to give rise to cultures capable of shoot regeneration was lost within a fraction of a millimeter distance from the apical meristem in many genotypes. The proliferating tissues were subcultured at regular intervals over a period of one year and the regeneration potential was monitored. Areas capable of shoot regeneration tended to deteriorate more or less rapidly and were overgrown by root-type tissue in a number of genotypes. The results are discussed in the context of the frequently observed, but largely unexplained, variability in the regeneration potential of cereal tissue cultures.     

Efficient regeneration of Brassica oleracea hypocotyl protoplasts and high frequency genetic transformation by direct DNA uptake

Summary Efficient regeneration (80%) and high frequency genetic transformation (10–33%) were achieved by culturing protoplasts isolated from hypocotyl tissues of six day old Brassica oleracea seedlings and by subjecting these protoplasts to PEG mediated direct plasmid uptake. Three different plasmid vectors carrying marker genes for resistance to methotrexate (dhfr), hygromycin (hpt) and phosphinotricin (bar) were constructed and used for transformation. Large number of normal, fertile transformants were obtained with vectors carrying hpt and bar genes. No transformants could be regenerated for resistance to methotrexate as it severely suppressed shoot differentiation.Abbreviations bar/PAT bialaphos resistance gene/phosphinotricin acetyltransferase - 2,4-D 2,4-di-chlorophenoxyacetic acid - dhfr/DHPR dihydrofolate reductase gene/enzyme - gus/GUS -glucuronidase gene/enzyme - hpt/HPT hygromycin phosphotransferase gene/enzyme - Kn kinetin - PEG polyethylene glycol - RH relative humidity     

Rapid and high frequency shoot regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts of Brassica nigra

Protoplasts, isolated from etiolated hypocotyls of seven day old seedlings of Brassica nigra, were cultured in Kao's liquid medium containing 7.2% glucose, 2,4-d (1 mg 1^-1), NAA (0.1 mg 1^-1) and zeatin riboside (0.5 mg 1^-1). After initial incubation for 3 days in dark at 25±1°C, cultures were transferred to a photoperiod cycle of 16/8 h and diluted on seventh and tenth day with MS medium containing 3.4% sucrose, 2,4-d (0.1 mg 1^-1) and BAP (1 mg 1^-1). About 62% of the cells divided at least once and 46% of them reached 8–16 cell stage in one week. The dividing cell clusters could be plated on agarose medium on the fifteenth day to obtain proliferating minicalli with a plating efficiency of 1.8%. 56.8% of minicalli, regenerated shoots on a regeneration medium containing 2 IP and IAA at 1 and 0.2 mg 1^-1 respectively. The in vitro produced shoots were rooted in MS medium containing 1 mg 1^-1 IBA and established in soil without difficulty. The time taken for protoplasts to develop into plants varied from 9 to 10 weeks.Abbreviations 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2 IP 2-isopentenyladenine - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - Kn kinetin     

Plant regeneration from protoplasts isolated from embryogenic suspension cultured cells of Cinnamomum camphora L.

An efficient and reproducible protocol is described for the regeneration of Cinnamomum camphora protoplasts isolated from cultured embryogenic suspension cells. Maximum protoplast yield (13.1±2.1×10⁶/g FW) and viability (91.8±3.8%) were achieved using a mixture of 3% (w/v) cellulase Onozuka R10 and 3% (w/v) macerozyme Onozuka R10 in 12.7% (w/v) mannitol solution containing 0.12% (w/v) MES, 0.36% (w/v) CaCl₂·2H₂O, and 0.011% (w/v) NaH₂PO₄·2H₂O. First divisions occurred 7–10 days following culture initiation. The highest division frequency (24.6±2.9%) and plating efficiency (6.88±0.8%) were obtained in liquid medium (MS) supplemented with 30 g l^–1 sucrose, 0.7M glucose, 0.1 mg l^–1 NAA, 1.0 mg l^–1 BA, and 1.0 mg l^–1 GA₃. After somatic embryo induction and then shoot induction, the protoplast-derived embryos produced plantlets at an efficiency of 17.5%. Somatic embryos developed into well-rooted plants on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 3-indole butyric acid (IBA). Regenerated plants that transferred to soil have normal morphology.     

High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from papaya hypocotyl callus

High frequency somatic embryogenesis in papaya (Carica papaya L.) tissue cultures was achieved by culturing hypocotyl sections from ten-day-old seedlings on half-strength Murashige and Skoog salts (MS) medium containing modified MS vitamins, 2.3 to 112.5 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d), 400 mg l^-1 glutamine, and 6% sucrose. Four hermaphroditic Hawaiian cultivars produced embryogenic calluses after ten to 14 weeks of culture at 27°C in the dark. Efficiency in embryogenic response of genotypes differed, Kapoho > Sunset > Sunrise > Waimanalo. The frequency of embryogenesis in induction medium containing 4.5 M 2,4-d was lowest with 3% sucrose and highest with 7% sucrose. Somatic embryos developed directly from embryogenic calluses on induction medium, or, more often, they differentiated from calluses subcultured on a medium devoid of growth regulators. Between 50 and 500 embryos were produced from each 2-mm hypocotyl section after at least two months on induction medium and two months on maturation medium. Embryos subsequently developed into normal-looking plants on MS medium. Shoot cuttings from germinated embryos and micropropagated plants were rooted with 5.0 M indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), grown in the greenhouse, and transferred to the field.Journal Series no. 3732 of the Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resourees     

High frequency plant regeneration from rice protoplasts by novel nurse culture methods

Summary Novel nurse culture methods have been developed for plant regeneration from protoplasts of rice (Oryza sativa). The nurse culture methods use the agarose-bead type culture in combination with actively growing nurse cells that are either in the liquid part of the culture or inside a culture plate insert placed in the centre of the dish. Protoplasts isolated from either primary seed calluses or suspension cultures of various callus origins, divided and formed colonies with a frequency of up to 10% depending on the protoplast source and the genotype. The presence of nurse cells was absolutely required for the induction of protoplast division. Plants were regenerated from protoplast-derived calluses of five tested cultivars with a frequency of 17%–50%. Close examination of the plant regeneration process suggested that plants are regenerated through somatic embryogenesis from protoplast-derived calluses. Over 300 protoplast-derived plants were transferred to either pots or the field and are being examined for karyotypic stability and various plant phenotypes.     

Embryogenesis and plant regeneration of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) from hypocotyl segments

A system for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of spinach from hypocotyl segments has been established. Callus was induced on solid media supplemented with 8.5–15.0 mg.l⁻¹ of indole-3-acetic acid and 3.46–34.64 mg.l⁻¹ gibberellic acid. Callus was then subcultured on different media (solid or liquid) with or without IAA, or continuously maintained on the initiating media. Somatic embryos were obtained in subcultures on IAA-containing media as well as in long-term cultures on initiating media. The best results were achieved in liquid subcultures. About 60% of plantlets survived after transplanting in pots.     

Brassinolide promotes adventitious shoot regeneration from cauliflower hypocotyl segments

When hypocotyl segments of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. boturytis L.) were cultured on MS medium containing brassinolide (BR) in the light, a significant stimulation of adventitious shoot regeneration was observed. Cytokinins (zeatin and iso-pentenylaminopurine) also promoted shoot regeneration. When BR was added together with these cytokinins, the maximal regeneration was strongly improved and the dose–response curve of cytokinin was shifted to the left. Regeneration was much lower in the dark. This was not due to a possible increased ethylene synthesis in the dark.     

Plant regeneration from callus and protoplasts of Brassica nigra (IC 257) through somatic embryogenesis

A method to obtain plants from embryogenic callus of Brassica nigra and protoplasts of hypocotyl expiants is described. Callus was initiated on Murashige and Skoog medium containing kinetin (kn) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Lowering of auxin induced embryo formation. Supplementation with gibberellic acid (GA₃) enhanced embryogenic response tenfold. Passage through liquid medium devoid of growth regulators was essential for the growth of embryos. Secondary embryos were produced on transfer to solid basal medium. Embryogenic callus retained its morphogenic ability even after 12 subcultures. Both primary and secondary embryos produced fertile plants. Hypocotyl-derived protoplasts were also regenerated to plants following the same protocol. The survival of plants on transfer to soil was about 80%. The seeds from plants derived from callus and protoplasts were viable.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid - NAA naphthalene acetic acid - IAA indole acetic acid - kn kinetin - GA₃ gibberellic acid     

Plant regeneration from protoplasts isolated from embryogenic calli of the forage legume<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Astragalus melilotoides</Emphasis> Pall.

An efficient and reproducible protocol is described for the regeneration of Astragalus melilotoides protoplasts isolated from hypocotyl-derived embryogenic calli. Maximum protoplast yield (11.74±0.6×10⁵/g FW) and viability (87.07±2.8%) were achieved using a mixture of 2% (w/v) Cellulase Onozuka R10, 0.5% (w/v) Cellulase Onozuka RS, 0.5% (w/v) Macerozyme R10, 0.5% (w/v) Hemicellulase, and 1% (w/v) Pectinase, all dissolved in a cell protoplast wash (CPW) salt solution with 13% (w/v) sorbitol. First divisions occurred 3–7 days following culture initiation. The highest division frequency (9.86±0.68%) and plating efficiency (1.68±0.05%) were obtained in solid-liquid medium (KM8P) supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.2 mg/l kinetin, 0.2 M glucose, 0.3 M mannitol and 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate. Upon transfer to MS medium with 0.5 mg/l -naphthaleneacetic acid and 1-2 mg/l BA, the protoplast-derived calli produced plantlets via somatic embryogenesis (56.3±4.1%) and organogenesis (21.6±0.6%). Somatic embryos or adventitious shoots developed into well-rooted plantlets on MS medium without any plant growth regulators or supplemented with 3.0 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid, respectively. About 81% of the regenerants survived in soil, and all were normal with respect to morphology and growth characters.Abbreviations BA: 6-Benzylaminopurine - CH: Casein hydrolysate - CPW: Cell protoplast wash - 2,4-D: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - FDA: Fluorescein diacetate - IBA: Indole-3-butyric acid - KIN: Kinetin - MES: 2-(N-morpholino) Ethanesulphonic acid - NAA: -Naphthaleneacetic acidCommunicated by A. Altman     

Plant regeneration through direct somatic embryogenesis from protoplasts of banana (Musa spp.)

Summary We report the isolation and regeneration of protoplasts from an embryogenic banana (Musa spp.) cell suspension culture initiated from in vitro proliferating meristems. A high yielding isolation method (up to 6×10⁷ protoplasts.ml^–1 packed cells) is discussed. Optimal regeneration, with more than 50% of the protoplasts showing initial cell division, occurred when high inoculation densities (10⁶ protoplasts.ml^–1) or nurse cultures were applied. Under these conditions, the frequency of microcolony formation was 20–40%. These microcolonies developed directly, without an intervening callus phase, into somatic embryos which later germinated and formed plantlets.     

Efficient plant regeneration from protoplasts isolated from embryogenic suspension cultures of Cyclamen persicum Mill.

A protocol for plant regeneration from protoplasts has been developed, and then successfully applied to different genotypes of Cyclamen persicum Mill. Protoplasts were isolated from embryogenic suspension cultures by enzymatic digestion in 2% cellulase R10 and 0.5% macerozyme R10. Yields obtained varied between 1 and 5 × 10⁵ protoplasts per gram fresh mass depending on the genotype. Protoplasts were immobilized in alginate films, which promoted proper cell wall regeneration. The highest cell division frequencies were found in modified Kao and Michayluk (1975, Planta 126:105–110) medium containing the same types and concentrations of plant growth regulators that were applied for suspension culture (2.0 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.8 mg l⁻¹ 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine). Cell division was recorded for all 11 tested genotypes in frequencies of up to 12% and 18% after 7 and 14 days, respectively. However, cell division frequency varied strongly between different genotypes. After 4–6 weeks calluses were released from the alginate films and further cultured on hormone-containing medium for continued growth or transferred to hormone-free medium for regeneration of somatic embryos. Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis succeeded in 9 out of the 11 genotypes under investigation. Up to now protoplast-derived plants from four genotypes have been successfully transferred to soil.     

Efficient isolation, culture and regeneration of Lotus corniculatus protoplasts

This paper reports an improved protocol for isolation, culture and regeneration of Lotus corniculatus protoplasts. A range of parameters which influence the isolation of L. corniculatus protoplasts were investigated, i.e., enzyme combination, tissue type, incubation period and osmolarity level. Of three enzyme combinations tested, the highest yield of viable protoplasts was achieved with the combination of 2% Cellulase Onozuka RS, 1% Macerozyme R-10, 0.5% Driselase and 0.2% Pectolyase. The use of etiolated cotyledon tissue as a source for protoplast isolation proved vital in obtaining substantially higher protoplast yields than previously reported. Culture of the protoplasts on a nitrocellulose membrane with a Lolium perenne feeder-layer on the sequential series of PEL medium was highly successful in the formation of micro-colonies with plating efficiencies 3–10 times greater than previous studies. Shoot regeneration and intact plants were achieved from 46% of protoplast-derived cell colonies.     

A morphological and histological comparison of the initiation and development of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) somatic embryogenic cultures induced with naphthaleneacetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Summary Somatic embryos produced in vitro may exhibit structural abnormalities that affect their subsequent germination and conversion into plants. To assess the influence of auxin type on embryo initiation and development, a morphological and histological comparison was made of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) somatic embryogenic cultures induced on media with naphthaleneacetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both auxins promoted enhanced cell division, particularly in subepidermal cell layers. However, notable differences were observed in mitotic activity, location of embryogenic cell proliferation, epidermal continuity, callus growth, and embryo morphology. Cultures induced on naphthaleneacetic acid had embryogenic regions composed of homogeneous, isodiametric, meristematic cells. Embryos derived from these cultures generally had a normal morphology, were single, and had a discrete apical meristem. In contrast, tissues induced on media with 2,4-D had more intense and heterogeneous regions of cell division. Proliferating cell regions were composed of meristematic cells interspersed with callus and involved more extensive regions of the mesophyll. Marked callus proliferation caused epidermal rupture in some areas. Embryos induced on medium with 2,4-D had a higher incidence of abnormalities that included fasciated, fan-shaped, and tubular embryos. Defined apical meristems were often lacking or partially obliterated due to callus proliferation. The heterogeneous, often intensive proliferation of cells in cultures induced with 2,4-D may interfere with normal patterns of embryo development.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - SEM scanning electron microscopy     

High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from hypocotyl protoplast cultures of Brassica napus

A simple protocol has been developed for high frequency protoplast regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in B. napus. Protoplasts isolated from hypocotyl tissue of 8–12 day old seedlings of Brassica napus ISN706 (AACC) when cultured in KM(A) medium resulted in divisions with a, frequency ranging from 30–35%. Regeneration of plantlets was possible by both organogenesis and embryogenesis. Nearly 80% of the call transferred on to MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg l^-1 2iP, 0.1 mg l^-1 NAA, 0.001 mg l^-1 GA₃, 0.5 g l^-1 PVP and 0.5 g l^-1 MES displayed somatic embryogenesis. The somatic embryos developed into normal plantlets, and also displayed secondary, repetitive embryogenesis.     

Rapid plant regeneration through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from cultured protoplasts of Brassica juncea

Protoplasts derived from hypocotyls of seedlings grown on half-strength MS medium containing 1% sucrose were cultured at a density of 5×10⁴ ml^-1 in Kao's medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl^-12,4-D, 0.1 mgl^-1 NAA and 0.5 mgl^-1 zeatin riboside. After three days of culture in darkness at 25±1°C, cultures were transferred to light (70 Em^-2s^-1) in a 16/8 h ligø ht/dark cycle. Cultures were diluted on the 7th, 10th and 13th day with Kao's medium containing 3.4% sucrose, 0.1 mgl^-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1.0 mgl^-1 benzyladenine. On the fifteenth day, microcalli were plated on K₃ medium gelled with 0.5% agarose (Type 1, low EEO, Sigma). After a further period of two weeks, transfers were made to specific media to achieve either organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis. Time taken from plating protoplasts to obtaining plantlets is 8–10 weeks. Using this procedure, several hundred regenerated plants have been hardened in a growth chamber and transferred to soil.     

Plant regeneration from cotyledonary protoplasts of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var.botrytis L.)

Summary Protoplasts isolated enzymatically from precultured cotyledonary leaves ofB. oleracea var.botrytis and cultured in KM8p medium (Kao andMichayluk 1975) underwent sustained divisions in about 0.1% population to eventually produce callus, whereas mesophyll protoplasts from either field grown orin vitro raised plants failed to divide. The callus readily differentiated on Murashige-Skoog medium as modified for shoot culture (Binding 1974) to give rise to shoot and roots.     

Efficient regeneration from cotyledon protoplasts in Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary. An efficient and fast regeneration system from cotyledon protoplasts was established for Arabidopsis thaliana accessions C24, Columbia, and Wassilewskija. Culture conditions and media compositions were optimised for the development of protoplasts embedded in thin alginate layers. Unexpectedly, the absence of cytokinins had a positive effect on cell development. Moreover, combined adjustment of -naphthylacetic acid and dicamba concentrations resulted in high plating efficiencies of up to 30%, followed by shoot regeneration within only 19 days after protoplast isolation. The protocol is reproducible, efficient, extremely fast, and regenerated plants are fertile. Thus, this cotyledon-based system could prove useful for studying plant cell and molecular biology in A. thaliana.Correspondence and reprints: Zentrum für angewandte Biowissenschaften, Sonnenstrasse 5, 79104 Freiburg, Federal Republic of Germany.Received December 9, 2002; accepted April 13, 2003; published online September 23, 2003     

High frequency of plant regeneration from hypocotyl explants of Brassica carinata A. Br.

An efficient tissue culture system for high frequency of plant regeneration from hypocotyl explants of Brassica carinata was developed via manipulation of culture medium and selection of explants. Explants grown on medium containing combinations of 2 mg l^-1 BA and 0.01 mg l^-1 NAA or 4 mg l^-1 kinetin and 0.01 mg l^-1 2,4-D regenerated shoots at 100% frequency. High frequency shoot regeneration occurred only from explants originating from 6 to 7-day-old but not younger or older seedlings. Explants showed higher regeneration capacity at the distal end than the proximal end, and the upper segment was more regenerative than the lower segment of hypocotyl. Regenerants were rooted on half-strength growth regulator-free medium, acclimatized and developed into normal, fertile plants.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - 2-4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - MS Murashige & Skoog     

Characterisation ofBrassica oleracea L. by microsatellite primers

The recent development of molecular marker technology is revolutionising the study of plant populations, providing opportunities to address questions requiring a precise knowledge of pedigrees. We applied Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) PCR to severalBrassica oleracea accessions and toBrassica napus. Four microsatellite-primers were screened and, among the 136 reproducible fragments recorded, 25 (18.4%) fragments were common for allBrassica, 27 (19.9%) were unique and 84 (61.7%) were phylogenetically informative. Each individual test sample exhibited a unique molecular genotype. ISSR markers provided a rapid approach to analyse genetic diversity and reflected the known genetic relationships among selected entries. ISSR markers appeared of great value in gene bank management and the establishment of genetic similarity, and can be applied to allogamous (autumn and winter cauliflower) crops.