Efficient plant regeneration system for immature embryos of triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack)

A range of tissue culture conditions were tested to improve embryo culture frequency, and to develop an efficient plant regeneration system for triticale. Immature embryos (14–21 days post-anthesis) from two triticale genotypes (Hx87-139 and Tahara) were cultured on a commonly used Murashige and Skoog (MS) and on Lazzeri's (L1) basal medium with varied carbon sources, and two different plant growth regulators; 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 3,6-Dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba). Although embryos could be cultured on both media types, L1 based medium was better than MS basal salts for callus induction and somatic embryogenesis, with plant regeneration frequencies up to 11 fold greater on L1 media types. In the presence of dicamba, callus induction was more rapid, that resulted in subsequent regeneration of up to 2 fold more plantlets than from callus induced on medium containing 2,4-D. Maltose appeared to be a superior carbon source during differentiation of callus. Genotype Tahara showed a better regenerative response than Hx87-138, with up to 23 normal, fertile plants being produced from a single embryo when cultured on L1MDic medium, containing maltose (5%) and dicamba (20 mg l^–1). Applications of this tissue culture procedure in triticale improvement through genetic engineering are also discussed.     

Plant regeneration and somaclonal variation from cultured immature embryos of sister lines of rye and triticale differing in their content of heterochromatin

Summary Plants were regenerated from cultured immature embryos of two pairs of sister lines of triticale (X Triticosecale) cvs Rosner and Drira and five sister lines of rye (Secale cereale). The triticale lines differ in heterochromatic content of a particular rye chromosome (6R or 7R), while the rye lines differ in only one heterochromatic band. Variation in morphogenetic response was present between the triticale cultivars and between the rye lines. One of the rye lines (7RL+ +) showed a distinctive superior response in terms of somatic embryogenesis. These findings are discussed in relation to factors affecting morphogenetic response and genetic stability in culture.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from mature embryos of sunflower

Callus development and efficient shoot and root organogenesis were obtained from five different sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes: Trakya 80, Trakya 129, Trakya 259, Trakya 2098, and Viniimk 8931, which are commercially important for Turkey. Plant tissue culture systems were established on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with various plant growth regulators using mature embryos of sunflower. For callus induction MS + 1 mg/l 2,4-D, for shoot regeneration MS + 1 mg/l benzyladenine and 0.5 mg/l α-naphthaleneacetic acid were used. Callus induction ratios were around 80–92% in all tested genotypes. The Trakya 259 genotype gave the best shoot regeneration response (44%). All regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l indolyl-3-butyric acid and on MS medium without any hormones. Mature embryos could be an alternative source for indirect plant regeneration and gene transfer systems for different sunflower genotypes. Published in Russian in Fiziologiya Rastenii, 2006, Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 621–624. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from shoot portions of mature embryos of high tannin sorghums

Callus and plant regenertion were induced from shoot portions of mature embryos (dry seeds) of five high tannin Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cultivars. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium with altered concentrations of 5 salts, supplemented with 150 mg/L L-asparagine, 5mg/L 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.05mg/L kinetin. Calli which were yellow and globular were formed with 70–90% frequencies. The subculture medium which gave best results was MS with 2mg/L 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.5mg/L kinetin. Plants were regenerated on MS medium supplemented with 150mg/L L-asparagine and 0.2mg/L kinetin with regeneration frequencies of 11–48%.Abbreviations 2,4-D dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Adventitious shoot regeneration from immature embryos of sorghum

Eleven genotypes of sorghum were examined for their response in tissue culture, and the tissue culture system was optimized. The cultures were initiated from immature embryos taken approximately two weeks after flowering. The response of immature embryos varied with the genotype. `C. Kafir' and `PE932 025' showed the highest frequency of callus induction and regenerable callus formation under appropriate culture conditions. Regeneration occurred at high frequencies when cytokinins (kinetin or 6-benzyladenine) had been added in the callus induction medium, followed by regeneration medium devoid of growth regulators. The addition of proline and polyvinylpyrrolidone also enhanced shoot formation, but the addition of cytokinins to regeneration media did not improve shoot formation. On the revised culture medium, plants were regenerated from up to 100% of sorghum immature embryos.     

Callus formation and plant regeneration from immature and mature embryos of rye (Secale cereale L.)

Summary An efficient protocol was developed to regenerate entire plants from immature embryos of elite genotypes of rye as a prerequisite to plant transformation. Three winter genotypes and one spring genotype were tested using both immature and mature embryos as explants. Four types of callus initiation media and five kinds of regeneration media were tested in all possible combinations. Immature embryos gave much higher levels of plant regeneration than mature embryos, but mature embryos could be induced to regenerate plants for all genotypes and media tested, although at low levels. A minimum stage of embryo development must be reached before embryos can be cultured successfully. Genotypic effects were less pronounced than those reported for inbred cereal species such as wheat and barley, but there was an effect of genotype on percentage of callus formation. There was a significant interaction between genotype and initiation media. Composition of the initiation media affected both the percentage of callus formation from embryos and subsequent frequencies of plant regeneration. Composition of the regeneration media had no effect on level of plant regeneration. Immature embryos of all genotypes tested could be induced to produce 90–100% callus on appropriate initiation media and all regenerated shoots from approximately one-half to three-quarters of the calluses produced.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from maize mature embryos

Calli were induced from mature embryos of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines A632, B73 and Mol7 on MS medium supplemented with 1–2 mg/1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Callus induction frequency ranged from 23–100%, with Mol7 having the highest frequency. Plants were regenerated from 4–5% of the B73 and Mol7 explants. Embryogenic and organogenic calli of B73 were maintained for more than two and one half years without losing regenerability. Of 95 regenerated plants, only one R₀ plant with abnormal pollen was detected, and no morphological variants were observed in the R₁ progeny.Abbreviations Dicamba 3,6-Dichloro-o-anisic acid - IAA 3-indoleacetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - Ze zeatin     

A method for increased plant regeneration from immature F1 and BC1 embryos of Cucurbita maxima Duch. x C. pepo L. hybrids

Plants have been regenerated from abnormal embryos with spongy cotyledons and albino sectors, derived from Cucurbita maxima and C. pepo F₁ and BC₁ hybrids. Shoot regeneration was induced directly from the cotyledons without an intervening callus phase on the medium without hormones. On the rooting medium, shoots continued to proliferate, which allowed for further multiplication in vitro. The number of plants obtained varied with genotype and ranged up to 65 plants per embryo.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from excised zygotic embryos of the seed-propagated yams Dioscorea composita Hemsl. and D. cayenensis Lam.

A tissue culture method for regeneration of plantlets from calluses of Dioscorea composita Hemsl. and Dioscorea cayenensis L. is described. Zygotic embryos were used as initial explants. Calluses were obtained on Murashige & Skoog basal medium supplemented with 18 M 2,4-D and plantlets were regenerated on media containing 0.1 M zeatin and 3.3 mM glutamine according to previously described protocols [3]. Inclusion of 0.3% (w/v) activated charcoal in media did not increase callusing. Regeneration of plantlets from D. cayenensis calluses occurred only at low levels of 2,4-D (2.25 M) contained in the media tested. The results indicated that there were genotype-dependent differences between the yam species in their ability to regenerate plantlets in vitro.     

The production of callus capable of plant regeneration from immature embryos of numerous Zea mays genotypes

In the summer of 1983, immature embryos from 101 selfed inbred lines and germplasm stocks of Zea mays L. were examined for their ability to produce callus cultures capable of plant regeneration (regenerable cultures) using a medium with which some limited success had previously been obtained. Forty-nine of the genotypes (49%) produced callus which visually appeared similar to callus previously cultured and shown to be capable of plant regeneration. After five months, 38 of these genotypes were alive in culture and plants were subsequently regenerated from 35 (92%) of them. No correlation was observed between plant regeneration and callus growth rate, the vivipary mutation (genes vp1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9), or published vigor ratings based on K⁺ uptake by roots. When F₁ hybrid embryos were cultured, 97% of the hybrids having at least one regenerable parent also produced callus capable of plant regeneration. No regenerable cultures were obtained from any hybrid lacking a parent capable of producing a regenerable callus culture.In the summer of 1984, immature embryos from 218 additional inbred lines and germplasm stocks were plated and examined for their ability to produce regenerable callus cultures on media containing altered micronutrient concentrations, 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba), glucose, and elevated levels of vitamin-free casamino acids and thiamine. Of these genotypes 199 (91%) produced callus that was regenerable in appearance. In the 1984 study, plant regeneration was noted in many commercially important inbreds, including B73, Mo17, B84, A632, A634, Ms71, W117, H99³H95 and Cm105. Thus tissue-culture techniques are now available to obtain callus cultures capable of plant regeneration from immature embryos of most maize genotypes.Abbreviations trade names 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - dicamba 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid     

Role of rye chromosomes in improvement of zinc efficiency in wheat and triticale

Using the disomic wheat-rye addition lines (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Holdfast-Secale cereale L., cv. King-II) and an octoploid triticale line (xTriticosecale Wittmark L. "PlutoxFakon") as well as the respective wheat and rye parents, greenhouse experiments were carried out to study the role of rye chromosomes on the severity of Zn deficiency symptoms, shoot dry matter production, Zn efficiency, shoot Zn concentration and Zn content. Plants were grown in a Zn-deficient calcareous soil with (10 mg Zn kg-1 soil) and without Zn supply. Zinc efficiency was calculated as the ratio of dry weight produced under Zn deficiency to the dry weight produced under Zn fertilization. In the experiments with addition lines, visual Zn deficiency symptoms were slight in the rye cultivar King-II, but were severe in the wheat cultivar Holdfast. The addition of rye chromosomes, particularly 1R, 2R and 7R, into Holdfast reduced the severity of deficiency symptoms. Holdfast showed higher decreases in shoot dry matter production by Zn deficiency and thus had a low Zn efficiency (53 %), while King-II was less affected by Zn deficiency and had a higher Zn efficiency (89 %). With the exception of the 3R line, all addition lines had higher Zn efficiency than their wheat parent: the 1R line had the highest Zn efficiency (80 %). In the experiment with the triticale cultivar and its parents, rye cv. Pluto and wheat cv. Fakon, Zn deficiency symptoms were absent in Pluto, slight in triticale and very severe in Fakon. Zinc efficiency was 88 % for Pluto, 73 % for triticale and 64% for Fakon. Such differences in Zn efficiency were better related to the total amount of Zn per shoot than to the amount of Zn per unit dry weight of shoot. Only in the rye cultivars, Zn efficiency was closely related with Zn concentration. Triticale was more similar to rye than wheat regarding Zn concentration and Zn accumulation per shoot under both Zn-deficient and Zn-sufficient conditions.The results presented in this study show that rye has an exceptionally high Zn efficiency, and the rye chromosomes, particularly 1R and 7R carry the genes controlling Zn efficiency. To our knowledge, the result with triticale and its rye parents is the first report showing that the genes controlling Zn efficiency in rye are transferable into wheat and can be used for development of new wheat varieties with high Zn efficiency for severely Zn-deficient conditions.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from immature embryos of Brachypodium distachyon with different chromosome numbers

The paper reports the in vitro cultivation of two commercial lines and 23 wild populations (with 10, 20 and 30 chromosomes) of Brachypodium distachyon. Callus induction was assayed on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 1 mg dm⁻³ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with 30 g dm⁻³ of sucrose (MSs) or maltose (MSm). No significant differences were seen between the two media with respect to callus induction. Calli were transferred to MSm medium without 2,4-D but containing 0.1 mg dm⁻³ of 6-benzylaminopurine for plant regeneration. The plant regeneration response was very variable depending on the original induction medium, although no overall preference for one or the other medium was seen. The three main culture stages (callus induction, plant regeneration, and green plantlets formation) are probably differently controlled in the plants with different chromosome numbers. This supports the idea that the three cytotypes of Brachypodium cultured actually belong to different species.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature zygotic embryos of Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis)

Embryogenic tissue was initiated using LM, LP and MS media from open-pollinated immature embryos of Larix leptolepis. The initiation frequency varied with collection dates. The highest frequencies of embryogenic tissue initiation (60, 67 and 59% on LM, LP and MS media, respectively) were observed from cones collected on July 30. At this time, all the excised embryos were at the cotyledonary stage. ABA over a wide concentration and length of exposure range did not promote maturation, but was beneficial in reducing precocious germination. Of over 400 plants regenerated, 72 were transplanted into soil mixtures and to date, 69 of these (95%) have survived. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Optimization of multiple shoot induction and plant regeneration in Indian barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivars using mature embryos

Barley is the fourth most important crop in the world. Development of a regeneration system using immature embryos is both time consuming and laborious. The present study was initiated with a view to develop a regeneration system in six genotypes of Indian barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivars as a prerequisite to transformation. The mature embryos were excised from seeds and cultured on MS medium supplemented with high and low concentrations of cytokinins and auxins respectively. The MS medium containing 3 mg/L N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was found to be the most effective for multiple shoot formation in HOR7231 cultivar that could produce 12 shoots per explant. The other cultivars HOR4409 and HOR3844 produced a minimum number of adventitious shoots (1.33 and 1.67 respectively) on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BA and 0.3 mg/L 2,4-D. The elongated shoots were separated and successfully rooted on MS medium containing 1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The response of different barley cultivars was found to be varying with respect to multiple shoot production. This is the first report of multiple shoot induction and plantlet regeneration in Indian cultivar of barley which would be useful for genetic transformation.     

Tissue culture and plant regeneration from immature embryo explants of Barley,Hordeum vulgare

Summary Immature embryo explants taken 8 days after anthesis were used to establish callus cultures of spring barley. Two types of calli were observed. A soft, watery callus produced a limited number of shoots and a harder, more compact, yellowish callus gave rise to numerous green primordia and shoots. Gamborg's B5 basal medium supplemented with either 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) or Cl₃ POP (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxypropionic acid) was found to give good callus growth and shoot initiation. Media containing 2,4-D at 1.0 mg L^–1 or Cl₃ POP at 5.0 mg L^–1 produced numerous cultures resulting in regeneration of plants. Plantlets developed roots on basal medium with Cl₃ POP at 1.0 mg L^–1 or on auxin-free medium. Twenty genetically diverse genotypes were screened to determine if these techniques were suitable for a wide range of spring barley cultivars. Regeneration of plantlets was obtained for 19 of the 20 genotypes approximately 4 months after culture initiation. Lines differed in the ability to develop vigorously growing calli and in the ability of calli to develop large numbers of shoots and regenerated plantlets.Contribution from Department of Crop Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. Oregon Agric. Exp. Stn. No. 7582     

Regeneration and transformation of Egyptian maize inbred lines via immature embryo culture and a biolistic particle delivery system

Summary A regeneration system was developed for elite Egyptain maize inbred lines using immature embryos as explants. This system proved to be highly genotype-dependent. Line Gz 643 was identified as the best line, revealing the highest regeneration frequency (42.2%). Addition of l-proline and silver nitrate to culture media greatly enhanced the formation of embryogenic type II callus and the regenerability of some of the tested lines. Transformation of the scutellar tissue of immature embryos from inbred line Gz643 was performed with the particle delivery system using a single plasmid carrying both the GUS and Bar genes (pAB-6) or by co-transformation with two plasmids, pAct1-F (GUS) and pTW-a(Bar). Different transformation parameters were evaluated, i.e. ostomic treatment, acceleration pressure, and number of shots. Osmotic treatment (0.25 M sorbitol + 0.25 M mannitol) along with the use of either acceleration pressure 1300 psi and one shot per plate (for co-transformation with pAB-6) or 1100 psi and two shots per plate (for transformation with pAct1-F and pTW-a) gave the best results, as expressed by the number of blue spots in the β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay. Stable transformation was confirmed in Ro transformed plants by means of histochemical GUS assay and herbicide application. PCR and Southern blot analysis proved the integration of the full-length genes in some of the transgenics.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from gladiolus

A method for the initiation of callus capable of plant regeneration from in vivo grown cormels of gladiolus (Gladiolus x grandiflorus Hort.) is described. Sliced cormels of the large-flowering hybrid, Peter Pears were cultured in vitro on a modified Murashige and Skoog medium, supplemented with various auxins. Yellow callus, which was either friable or compact, could be induced on all media tested. Callus induced on media with naphthaleneacetic acid failed to proliferate. Callus induced on media with 9 mM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid showed the best growth. Addition of micro-elements and vitamins increased the induction and growth of callus capable of plant regeneration. Explants taken from the middle part of the cormels had the highest competence for callus initiation. Callus was induced on several gladiolus hybrids and the South African species G. garnierii Klatt. Callus induction was genotype dependent and among the cultivars tested, Peter Pears and White Prosperity were superior with respect to callus production on the media with either 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or picloram. Plants were regenerated from yellow compact callus of all genotypes on media containing zeatin and benzyladenine in various concentrations.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog basal salt and vitamins (1962) - CI callus induction medium - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - BA 6-benzyladenine - picloram 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid - zeatin 6-[4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino]purine     

Callus induction and high-frequency plant regeneration from hypocotyl and cotyledon explants of Arctium lappa L.

Summary This study describes a protocol for plant regeneration from cultured seedling explants of Arctium lappa. Hypocotyls and cotyledons of A. lappa were induced to form callus by culturing on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0mg l^−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.5–2.0 mg l^−1 benzyladenine (BA). Formation of adventitious buds could be induced from calluses or explants directly by culturing on MS medium containing 1.0–2.0 mg l^−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.5–2.0 mg l^−1 BA. These regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium with 1.0 mg l^−1 indole-3-butyric acid or indole-3-acetic acid in combination with 1.0 mgl^−1 NAA. The regenerated plants acclimatized in soil were normal morphologically and in growth characters. They flowered and set seeds in the following year after acclimatization.     

Tissue culture and plant regeneration from immature embryo explants of Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R. Br.

Callus cultures were established from immature embryos of Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R. Br. on a modified basal medium of Murashige & Skoog supplemented with 1 mgl^-1 2,4-D. In addition to 0.1 mgl^-1 of NAA the optimal BAP concentration for promoting shoot bud formation and growth was 2 mgl^-1. Rooting was induced when shoots were transferred to auxin-supplemented Bonner's solution or half-strength MS basal salt solutions.Abbreviations NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-butyric acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - Kin kinetin     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature embryos of saw palmetto,an important landscape and medicinal plant

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature zygotic embryos was achieved for saw palmetto (Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small). Embryos, isolated from immature fruit of native-grown plants, were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium plus 0.15% (w/v) activated charcoal and supplemented with 452 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 14.7 M N⁶-(2-isopentenyl)adenine (2iP). Clusters of somatic embryos developed from all immature zygotic embryos 5 weeks after culture initiation. After 12 weeks, explants were transferred to the same medium with the amount of 2,4-D reduced to 90.4 M which resulted in somatic embryo proliferation. Somatic embryos were then transferred to the basal medium containing 0.9, 9 M thidiazuron (TDZ), or no growth regulator for conversion into plantlets. The 9 M TDZ treatment was ineffective for plant regeneration. However, 12% of the embryos subcultured on 0.9 M TDZ were able to produce complete plantlets. Shoot production was obtained from 35% of the embryos subcultured in the absence of growth regulators. Rooting (100%) was achieved when these shoots were transferred onto medium containing 22.2 M -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).