Ethylene precursors and antagonists increase embryogenesis of Hordeum vulgare L. anther culture

The role of ethylene in microspore embryogenesis and regeneration was analyzed by studying the effects of the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and the ethylene antagonists silver nitrate and silver thiosulphate on the androgenic response of in vitro cultured anthers of seven genotypes of barley. Incorporation of either ACC or silver salts in the culture medium lead to a significant increase in callus induction for five of the seven genotypes tested. The treatment that increased callus induction depended upon genotype. Only anthers cultured on 1 mg l^–1 silver thiosulphate gave rise to fertile plants in all seven genotypes tested.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole acetic acid - PAA phenyl acetic acid - STS silver thiosulphate - ACC 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid     

A study of factors affecting embryo yields from anther culture of cabbage

In cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), a thermal shock treatment of 24 h at 35 °C at the start of the culture period resulted in higher embryos per 100 anthers (30.0) compared to a treatment of 48 h. Similarly , a chilling treatment of 24 h at 4 °C resulted in a higher embryo yield (6.0) per 100 anthers compared to a treatment of 48 h. However, the embryo yields were significantly higher (p> 0.01) in thermal shock than chilling treatments in all experiments. Treatments of 6 days at either 35 °C or 4 °C gave no embryos. The most responsive cultivar was the F₁ hybrid , Hercules, in all experiments. Although anther culture was successful in the other genotypes, the open pollinated ones, the highest number of embryo yields per 100 anthers was obtained in the hybrid. High temperature treatment before culture had a beneficial effect on the embryo yields. The responsiveness of anthers to addition of increasing concentration of silver nitrate (AgN0₃) (the ethylene inhibitor) to the culture medium, showed a progressive increase in the embryo yields in all the genotypes. Since embryos were also formed in the absence of silver nitrate, probably, due to a greater genotype × medium interaction, it is noted that the presence of silver nitrate in the medium may not be essential for cabbage anther culture as reported earlier. The findings of this study may be recommended for large production of cabbage embryos in culture.     

Somatic embryogenesis from immature peach palm inflorescence explants: towards development of an efficient protocol

Various factors affect the induction of somatic embryogenesis in peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth). Among these, both the type and level of auxins had the greatest influence on in vitro responses, although the genotype and the developmental stage of the explants also influenced results. Younger inflorescences were more competent to respond to SE induction than more mature inflorescences and the use of a pre-treatment with 2,4-D (200 μM) in liquid MS culture medium also increased the embryogenic capacity, and diminished the development of flower buds. Higher oxidation rates were observed in explants maintained on 2,4-D-supplemented culture medium, while on 300 μM or 600 μM Picloram and Dicamba lower oxidation rates were observed. The progression from floral meristem to flower bud occurred at high frequency when low concentrations of auxins were used, independent of the type. Higher concentrations of Picloram or Dicamba reduced or even inhibited flower bud development. Picloram also enhanced the embryogenic induction rate more than 2,4-D and Dicamba, and among the concentrations evaluated 300 μM Picloram enhanced induction for both genotypes, with significant differences between genotypes. The best combination of variables used the least mature inflorescence (Infl1) from genotype I with the 2,4-D pre-treatment and 300 μM Picloram to generate 5 embryogenic calli from 18 explants; 26 embryos were obtained on average from each embryogenic callus. From these, eighteen embryos converted to plantlets and six of these survived transfer to the greenhouse.     

Effects of growth regulators and genotypes on pyrethrum <Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis>

Summary The effects of growth regulators on culture response of different pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium Vis.) genotypes were investigated. In the genotype Sb/66/107, the presence of 2,4-dichorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 2 mgl⁻¹ promoted growth of callus, whereas benzyladenine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid had no effect. Callus growth was also affected by the 2,4-D, ranging from 0.5 mgl⁻¹ for genotype Marwanga to 3.0 mgl⁻¹ for Ks/75/336. Among the genotypes, shoots were regenerated from calluses of Sb/66/107, 4331, Marwanga, and MA/70/1013.     

Organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis in Foeniculum vulgare: histological observations of developing embryogenic callus

Different NAA plus kinetin or BA combinations were tested on Francia Pernod fennel seedlings for callus induction and plant regeneration. Callogenesis from hypocotyls was obtained in all auxin/cytokinin-containing media. The organogenic response was observed especially in presence of NAA plus kinetin. The highest frequency of shoot regeneration was found when the auxin and kinetin were used at a 1:1 ratio. Moreover, a prolonged culture period increased shoot formation. Somatic embryogenesis was tested on several fennel populations. The results gave evidence of the genotypic importance. Two different protocols were used for somatic embryo induction. Using the first protocol among the different fennel genotypes tested, only Francia Pernod showed embryogenic capacity. In this case, from a primary non-embryogenic callus cultured for 12 months in presence of 2,4-D, an embryogenic secondary callus was produced. When transferred to the medium without 2,4-D (agarized or liquid), this gave embryogenic plants in high frequency. As far as the second embryogenic method is concerned, secondary embryogenic callus developed only in the presence of 2,4-D plus kinetin in Francia Pernod genotype. Thereafter, the replacement of those growth regulators by GA₃ into the medium greatly increased the somatic embryo development, especially in `Francia Pernod', but also in `Aboca erbe' callus, a population with a very poor embryogenic capacity. In Francia Pernod, the primary and secondary (embryogenic) calli showed different morphological and histological responses, either when the secondary callus was induced by 2,4-D alone or by 2,4-D plus kinetin. Ontogenetic processes leading to somatic embryo formation are described in this context. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Plant regeneration capacity of mesophyll protoplasts from Brassica napus and related species

Protoplasts from a total of thirty-six genotypes of Brassica species – B. napus, B. campestris (syn. B. rapa), B. juncea, and three distant relatives, Orychophragmus violaceus, Isatis indigotica and Xinjiang wild rape – were analysed for shoot regeneration using a feeder culture system. With the exception of B. campestris and Xinjiang wild rape, some genotypes of all the species could regenerate plants with high efficiency (above 20% of isolated calli initiating shoots). Several genotypes with high regeneration ability were elite breeding lines. Culture conditions as well as genotype had a significant impact on shoot regeneration frequency. In particular, silver nitrate added to the regeneration medium at doses of 6 and 30 μM improved shoot regeneration frequency to 25.4% and 52.2% of isolated calli, respectively, compared to 7.3% percent shoot regeneration without silver nitrate in seven responsive genotypes. Addition of silver nitrate to the regeneration medium also induced shoot regeneration in non-responsive genotypes. Intact plants could be obtained within three months from protoplast isolation in the regenerative genotypes using the current culture system. Advantages of mesophyll protoplasts as compared to protoplasts isolated from hypocotyls for genetic manipulation in Brassica species are discussed. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid affects mode and frequency of regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts ofBrassica oleracea

Summary The effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on the regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts ofBrassica oleracea was studied by varying the 2,4-D concentration in the protoplast culture medium, 8 p, and the callus proliferation medium, K3. When hypocotyl protoplasts of the inbred line BL12 were cultured in the complete absence of 2,4-D, they divided and produced embryogenic calli. Moreover, these calli generated somatic embryos which were easily recognized by red cotyledons due to the presence of anthocyanin. When 2,4-D was present either in 8p medium or K3 medium the formation of somatic embryos was reduced. On the other hand, the number of shoot-forming calli increased considerably. We therefore conclude that 2,4-D directs the mode of regeneration by suppressing somatic embryogenesis in favour of shoot regeneration. Secondly, 2,4-D increases the regeneration efficiency. Furthermore, the callus proliferation phase on K3 medium is most important with respect to the determination of either somatic embryogenesis or shoot regeneration.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole acetic acid - NAA naphthalene acetic acid - PE plating efficiency     

Plant regeneration from immature embryos of 48 elite CIMMYT bread wheats

Forty-eight bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) released cultivars and elite advanced lines were evaluated for their ability to produce embryogenic callus using three different media. Basal N6 medium supplemented with dicamba (E1), MS medium containing 2,4-D (E3) or MS medium containing 2,4-D plus different amino acids (E5) were used for callus initiation and maintenance. Plant regeneration was achieved on basal MS medium with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) and rooting on MS with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Percentage regeneration varied widely with both genotype and initiation medium, with values ranging from 2% to 94%. The number of plantlets produced per embryo ranged from 6 to 42. Thirteen genotypes showed at least 50% regeneration after culture on E5 medium; 3 genotypes after culture on E3 initiation medium and 1 after initiation on E1. After four subcultures, over a 16-week period, 41 genotypes (85%) lost their ability to regenerate plants while the remaining 7 lines (15%) retained plant regeneration potential but at reduced levels. E3 medium was found to be the best for maintaining regeneration potential after four subcultures.     

Changes in DNA methylation during somatic embryogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucurbita pepo</Emphasis> L.

Three pumpkin embryogenic lines were initiated on wounded zygotic embryos cultured on medium with or without 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Somatic embryo development was controlled by the availability of various compounds in the medium: presence/absence of 2,4-D, nitrogen sources. The highest rate of DNA methylation was in the early embryo stages, predominantly on MSC medium with 2,4-D and on auxin-free medium supplemented with 1.0 mM NH₄Cl. DNA methylation was correlated with early embryo development in a manner that was not exclusively dependent on the presence/absence of exogenous auxin. DNA methylation decreased during embryo maturation on auxin-free MSC medium and on auxin-free MSC supplemented with 12.3 M 5-azacytidine (5-azaC). The embryogenic features of the pumpkin tissue were preserved, even after a 2-month treatment with 5-azaC.Abbreviations 5-azaC 5-Azacytidine - CRED-RA Coupled restriction enzyme digestion and random amplification - 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DNMRT Duncans new multiple range test - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - 5-mC 5-Methylcytosine     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis and direct shoot organogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pennisetum glaucum</Emphasis> (L.) R. Br.

An efficient in vitro plant regeneration protocol through somatic embryogenesis and direct shoot organogenesis has been developed for pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Efficient plant regeneration is a prerequisite for a complete genetic transformation protocol. Shoot tips, immature inflorescences, and seeds of two genotypes (843B and 7042-DMR) of pearl millet formed callus when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varying levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 4.5, 9, 13.5, and 18 μM). The level of 2,4-D, the type of explant, and the genotype significantly effected callus induction. Calli from each of the three explant types developed somatic embryos on MS medium containing 2.22 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA) and either 1.13, 2.25, or 4.5 μM of 2,4-D. Somatic embryos developed from all three explants and generated shoots on MS medium containing high levels of BA (4.4, 8.8, or 13.2 μM) combined with 0.56 μM 2,4-D. The calli from the immature inflorescences exhibited the highest percentage of somatic embryogenesis and shoot regeneration. Moreover, these calli yielded the maximum number of differentiated shoots per callus. An efficient and direct shoot organogenesis protocol, without a visible, intervening callus stage, was successfully developed from shoot tip explants of both genotypes of pearl millet. Multiple shoots were induced on MS medium containing either BA or kinetin (4.4, 8.8, 17.6, or 26.4 μM). The number of shoots formed per shoot tip was significantly influenced by the level of cytokinin (BA/kinetin) and genotype. Maximum rooting was induced in 1/2 strength MS with 0.8% activated charcoal. The regenerated plants were transferred to soil in pots, where they exhibited normal growth.     

In vitro regeneration in Primula ssp. via organogenesis

Culturing pedicle segments of primroses on a medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) and thidiazuron (TDZ) resulted in callus induction rates of about 80%. The highest shoot regeneration rate (1.8 shoots per explant; mean of ten genotypes) was achieved with the combination of 2.0 mg/l 2, 4-D and 2.0 mg/l TDZ. Culture on a medium containing a high concentration of nitrate (for example, B5 medium) negatively affected the survival of regenerated shoots of one genotype, Gelb IV 48, probably due to an increase in the pH value of the medium. Consequently, the highest efficiency was obtained using a basal medium containing half-strength Murashige and Skoog macroelements. A protocol to regenerate shoots of Primula vulgaris and P. elatior is described.     

GROWTH REGULATOR EFFECTS ON BUD INITIATION IN CALLUS CULTURES OF MEDICAGO SATIVA

Influence of growth regulators on bud initiation in callus of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was studied by varying levels and combinations in the first medium of a two-medium sequence used to obtain whole plants. Callus of tetraploid clone S-4 (cv. ‘Saranac‘) was initiated from immature ovaries on a modified Blaydes' basal medium containing all combinations of six concentrations (0–36 μM) of kinetin (K), six concentrations (0–44 μM) of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and seven concentrations (0–36 μM) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). After 28 days the callus was challenged to form buds by transfer to the modified Blaydes' medium containing 2.0 g/liter yeast extract and 0.57 mM inositol. No buds were produced in the absence of 2,4-D in the first medium, and the frequency of bud formation on the second medium was directly proportional to the 2,4-D concentration in the range 2.3–54 μM in the preceding medium. Buds were produced in the absence of kinetin in the first medium, but its presence in the range 2.3–36 μM markedly increased bud formation. NAA was not required for bud formation, and the budding frequency increased only slightly with increasing NAA concentration in the first medium. Budding of callus of two other alfalfa clones was also influenced by the 2,4-D concentration in the initial medium. There were several indications that many of the buds were initiated on the first medium and completed development on the second medium. These included the differential effect on budding of combinations of 2,4-D, NAA and kinetin in the callus initiation medium, the specific media sequence required, and the presence of embryoids on the callus which after transfer to the yeast extract-inositol medium produced buds.     

Somatic embryogenesis in two Gossypium hirsutum genotypes on semi-solid versus liquid proliferation media

A comparison of semi-solid vs. liquid embryo proliferation media was made using two Gossypium hirsutum L. genotypes (Coker 312 and T25) and two callus initiation media. Sections of petioles from mature, flowering plants were cultured on two modified Murashige and Skoog media. Medium 1 included 4.0 mg l^-1 NAA and 1.0 mg l^-1 kinetin; medium 2 contained 0.1 mg l^-1 2,4-D and 0.1 mg l^-1 kinetin. After six weeks, callus was removed from each explant and divided in half. One callus portion was placed in liquid proliferation medium and the other on semi-solid (0.2% Gelrite) proliferation medium. Composition of proliferation medium was identical to that of initiation medium, except no growth regulators were added. Embryos were counted after eight weeks. The percentage of explants forming callus was influenced by genotype/initiation medium combination. Analysis of variance procedures revealed significant variability for callus initiation media, proliferation media (semi-solid or liquid), and an initiation medium x genotype interaction. Paired t-tests indicated that more embryos were produced in liquid proliferation medium (227.3 embryos/culture) than on semi-solid proliferation medium (134.6 embryos/culture).Abbreviations NAA naphtaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-D dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

DNA RNA and protein content of tissue during growth and embryogenesis in wild-carrot suspension cultures

Summary A highly selected population of cells (clumps from 63 to 125 μm in diameter), obtained by screening 14-day-old stock suspension cultures of wild carrot (Daucus carota L.), was used to initiate cultures in this study. Time-course changes in DNA, RNA and protein were followed when these cultures were grown in the presence or absence of 2.25 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The data show that growth of these cultures, particularly in the early part of the growth curve, is different from that in most other studies reported on suspension cultures initiated without screening. The gross compositional analysis shows that this difference stems from the very high RNA:DNA and protein:DNA ratios of the cellular material used as the inoculum in this study. The presence of 2,4-D in the medium promoted total RNA and protein levels. Correlations were sought between the appearance of embryos in the absence of exogenous 2,4-D and gross compositional differences developing in cultures grown in the presence and absence of 2,4-D. The handling of cultures during inoculation appeared to have led to a substantial loss of DNA. This had, however, little effect on dry weight or protein content of the tissue. This research was supported by the W. Alton Jones Foundation.     

Variation amongst Brassica juncea cultivars for regeneration from hypocotyl explants and optimization of conditions for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation

Summary Twelve cultivars of Brassica juncea grown in different agroclimatic regions of the world were tested for their ability to regenerate in vitro from hypocotyl explants and, accordingly, were divided into three groups. One group of cultivars regenerated on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D, BAP and with NAA, BAP combinations; another group regenerated only on MS with 2,4-D, BAP; and the third group showed very low regeneration on both of these combinations. Inclusion of silver nitrate in the medium was essential for high frequency of regeneration. In general, Indian cultivars were more responsive than the cultivars of CIS and Australian origin. Using the media optimal for regeneration and an Agrobacterium-based binary vector carrying hpt and gus-intron genes, conditions for genetic transformation of B. juncea hypocotyl explants were optimized. Transformation frequencies, identified by GUS staining at the initial stages of growth, were lower on MS medium with 2,4-D, BAP than on MS with NAA, BAP. Plants resistant to 20 g/ml hygromycin were regenerated at a frequency of 11–36% from hypocotyl explants and were shown to be transformed by Southern blotting, GUS staining and progeny analysis.     

Anther culture in Helianthus annuus L., influence of genotype and culture conditions on embryo induction and plant regeneration

Summary Production of microspore-derived embryos from cultured anthers is now a well established technique for the isolation of homozygous lines in many crop plants. We describe here a culture method for embryo induction and plant regeneration from anthers of four sunflower genotypes. For preliminary experiments, anthers of uninucleate microspores were cultured on four types of basal media viz., Murashige and Skoog's MS, Gamborg's B5, Nitsch and Nitsch, and White's W, supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 0.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 40 g/l sucrose. MS basal medium, being more responsive for embryo induction, was used for further experimentation. To optimise the culture requirement MS basal medium was supplemented with 0.2–2.0 mg/l 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 0.5 and 1.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine. The effect of cold pretreatment, hormone regime and sucrose concentration were tested for embryogenic efficiency. Genotype had a significant effect on the capacity of embryo induction. Addition of silver nitrate (2.5 mg/l), an ethylene inhibitor, stimulated embryo germination. Plantlets were obtained (10–15%) from embryos of only one genotype.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid - NAA -naphthalene acetic acid - IAA indole-3-aceticacid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - KN Kinetin - ABA abscisic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis in Agave tequilana Weber cultivar azul

Somatic embryogenesis was achieved from leaves of Agave tequilana Weber cultivar azul utilizing MS medium supplemented with L2 vitamins and the addition of cytokinins: 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 1-phenyl-3(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea (TDZ), 6-(γ-γ-dimethylamino)purine (2ip) and 6-furfurylaminopurine (KIN), combined with the auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Differences among the six genotypes studied with regard to their embryogenic response in culture were found. Embryos produced by genotype S3 under a hormone regime of high cytokinin (44.4 to 66.6 μM BA) compared to auxin (4.5 μM 2,4-D) contained chlorophyll, whereas those produced when auxin was high compared to cytokinin (9.0 and 13.6 μM 2,4-D and 1.3 and 4.0 μM BA, respectively) were whitish and morphologically similar to their zygotic counterparts. Somatic embryos matured and germinated after transferring the embryogenic calli to maturation and germination medium without growth regulators and enriched with organic nitrogen. Microscopic observations demonstrated a unicellular origin for production of indirect somatic embryos.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration of U.S. rice genotypes as affected by medium constituents

Summary This study was conducted to establish and optimize a regeneration system for adapted U.S. rice genotypes including three commercial rice cultivars (LaGrue, Katy, and Alan) and two Arkansas breeding lines. Factors evaluated in the study were genotype, sugar type, and phytohormone concentration. The system consisted of two phases, callus induction and plant regeneration. In the callus induction phase, mature caryopses were cultured on MS medium containing either 1% sucrose combined with 3% sorbitol or 4% sucrose alone, and 0.5 to 4 mg·L⁻¹ (2.26 to 18.10 μM) 2,4-D with or without 0.5mg·L⁻¹) (2.32 μM) kinetin. In the plant regeneration phase, callus was transferred to 2,4-D-free MS medium containing 0 or 2 mg·L⁻¹ (9.29 μM) kinetin combined with 0 or 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ (0.54 μM) NAA. Callus induction commenced within a week, independent of the treatments. Callus growth and plant regeneration, however, were significantly influenced by interactions among experimental factors. Generally, the greatest callus growth and plant regeneration were obtained with 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ (2.26 μM) 2,4-D and decreased with increasing 2,4-D concentrations. Kinetin enhanced callus growth only when combined with 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ (2.26 μM) 2,4-D, and 4% sucrose. Inducing callus on kinetin-containing medium generally enhanced regeneration capacity in the presence of sucrose but not with a sucrose/sorbitol combination. Media containing sucrose alone generally supported more callus proliferation, but the sucrose/sorbitol combination improved regeneration of some cultivars. NAA and kinetin had little effect on regeneration.     

The effects of silver nitrate,colchicine, cupric sulfate and genotype on the production of embryoids from anthers of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum)

Anther culture of four tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) genotypes was studied using ten different culture medium treatments in a randomized block design with four replicates. Each replicate consisted of 2 pots with 3 plants. Anther donor plants were grown in a greenhouse with a 16 h day/8 h night at 25°C and 15°C, respectively. The first treatment which was considered as the control, was potato 2 medium modified by adding 0.5 g l^–1 glutamine and solidified by gelrite (4 g l^–1). The nine test treatments differed from the control by addition of 3 different concentrations of silver nitrate (1, 2.5 and 5 mg l^–1), colchicine (10, 100 and 200 mg l^–1) or cupric sulfate (2,5 and 10 mg l^–1). The study of about 2000 anthers per genotype and treatment showed that both genotype and treatment affected embryoid formation. The presence of cupric sulfate (10 mg l^–1) and silver nitrate (2.5 and 5 mg l^–1) usually increased the frequency of embryoid formation in 3 genotypes out of the 4 studied. On the contrary, colchicine had a significant and enegative effect on anther culture responses for three out of the four genotypes studied. Because of the large genotype x medium interaction, it is very difficult to identify the best medium for embryo production by all genotypes studied.     

Induction of embryogenic mango cultures as affected by genotype,explanting, 2,4-D and embryogenic nurse culture

The nucellus was removed from immature seeds of 4 mango genotypes, andcultured under different induction conditions. The mango genotypes includedpolyembryonic ‘Hindi’ and ‘Nam Doc Mai’ and monoembryonic ‘Lippens’ and’Tommy Atkins‘. Nucellar explants were cultured on modified B5 basal mediumunder the following inductive conditions: 1) 4.52 μM 2,4-D; 2) nogrowth regulator (control); 3) 4.52 μM 2,4-D + embryogenic ‘Parris‘nurse culture; 4) no growth regulator + embryogenic ‘Parris’ nurse culture.Induction of embryogenic competence was mediated by 4 factors: genotype,explanting, 2,4-D and the presence of a highly embryogenic nurse culture,although there was considerable difference in genotype response. ‘Hindi’ hadthe greatest embryogenic potential, followed by ‘Lippens’, ‘Tommy Atkins‘and ‘Nam Doc Mai’, respectively. Induction of embryogenic cultures of allgenotypes at low frequency occurred as a result of explanting excisednucellus onto control medium. The most effective treatment for inducingembryogenic cultures was 2,4-D + embryogenic ‘Parris’ nurse culture with’Hindi’, ‘Lippens’ and ‘Nam doc Mai’, with the exception of ‘Tommy Atkins’,in which the treatment with 2,4-D alone was most effective. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.