High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in petiole and leaf explant cultures and petiole-derived embryogenic cell suspension cultures of Hylomecon vernalis

Culture conditions are described for high frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in petiole and leaf explant cultures and petiole-derived embryogenic cell suspension cultures of Hylomecon vernalis Max. Petiole explants formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 53% when cultured on B5 medium supplemented with 13.6 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) alone. Leaf explants formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 21% when cultured at a combination of 4.52 M 2,4-D and 2.22 M 6-benzyladenine. Cell suspension cultures were established with petiole-derived embryogenic calluses using liquid B5 medium with 4.52 M 2,4-D. Upon plating onto B5 basal medium, cell suspension cultures produced numerous somatic embryos, which then developed into plantlets. Regenerated plantlets were transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a greenhouse.     

Establishment of oil palm cell suspensions and plant regeneration

Primary globular callus from immature zygotic embryos and friable embryogenic tissue derived from mature zygotic embryos were used to establish suspension cultures. Callus cultures were established either on modified Y3 or MS medium containing 475–500 M 2,4-D or 250 M picloram and 0.3% (w/v) activated charcoal. Suspension cultures of both cell lines were established in modified Y3 medium containing 10 M 2,4-D. The establishment of cell suspensions from friable embryogenic tissue took only 2 months, in contrast with suspensions from primary globular callus which took 3–5 months to establish. Embryo differentiation was observed only in cell suspensions derived from the friable embryogenic tissue after plating aliquots on regeneration medium. Germinated embryos were recovered and plantlets were successfully established under greenhouse conditions.Abbreviations CET compact embryogenic tissue - FET friable embryogenic tissue - CIM callus induction medium - PGC primary globular callus - 2,3-D 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid Y3-Eeuwens' medium - MS Murashige & Skoog medium - PVP-40 polyvinylpyrrolidone - KM Kao & Michayluk vitamins - ABA abscisic acid     

High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in zygotic embryo cultures of Japanese honeysuckle

Japanese honeysuckle plant (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is rich in iridoid secologanin and is a potentially useful model for the study of secologanin biosynthesis. Culture conditions for high frequency plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryo cultures and zygotic embryo-derived embryogenic cell suspension cultures of this species are described. Mature zygotic embryos formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 46.7% when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.52 M 2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Cell suspension cultures were established with embryogenic calluses using liquid MS medium with 4.52 M 2,4-D. Upon plating onto MS basal medium, embryogenic cell suspension cultures produced numerous somatic embryos, which subsequently developed into plantlets at a frequency of 68%. Regenerated plantlets were transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a greenhouse.     

Plant regeneration from embryogenic suspension cultures of Musa acuminata cv. Mas (AA)

Embryogenic callus was established using immature male flower of Musa acuminata cv. Mas. After 5–6 months of culture, embryogenic callus was obtained at 21.75±11.9 from 750 immature male flower clusters with translucent somatic embryos proliferated from the whitish friable callus. It was observed that flower clusters ranging from 4 to 11 responded to form embryogenic callus and out of which 3–10 somatic embryos were formed per flower cluster. Embryogenic callus were obtained at a percentage of 10.00±0.3 on M1 medium initially supplemented with 18 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for 3 months and subsequently transferred to the same media with reduced 2,4-D (9 M) for the next 2–3 months. Embryos developed into translucent spheres and slightly torpedo shaped embryos in suspension cultures. Plantlets were obtained on medium M4 supplemented with 0.8M BA, at an average regeneration rate of 13.00±0.58.     

Fertile plant regeneration from cell suspension and protoplast cultures of barley (t Hordeum vulgare cv. Schooner)

Fertile plants were regenerated from both cell suspension and protoplast-derived cultures of the two-row barley, Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Schooner. Embryogenic calluses, derived from immature embryos, were used to establish suspension cultures. More than 100 plants, with variable seed set, have been regenerated from six embryogenic cell suspension cultures. Protoplasts isolated from three suspension cultures divided and when the resultant embryogenic proto-calluses were transferred to regeneration medium both green and albino shoots were produced. The green shoots were transferred to growth regulator-free medium and plantlets that developed strong root systems were potted in soil and grown to maturity in the glasshouse. Root tip analysis of plants regenerated from cell suspension cultures revealed the expected 2N = 14 complement of chromosomes. However, chromosomal analysis of protoplast-derived plants showed numerical variation among a proportion of the regenerants. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Plant Regeneration from Immature Zygotic Embryo-Derived Embryogenic Calluses and Cell Suspension Cultures of Catharanthus roseus

Culture conditions for plant regeneration in immature zygotic embryo-derived embryogenic cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) Little Bright Eye are described. Immature zygotic embryos formed off-white, friable calluses at a frequency of 20% on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.52 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) after 8 weeks of culture. After a second subculture using MS basal medium at 4-week intervals, off-white friable calluses formed a small quantity of yellowish, compact embryogenic calluses. Upon transfer to MS basal medium, embryogenic calluses gave rise to numerous somatic embryos. Cell suspension cultures were established with embryogenic calluses using liquid MS medium supplemented with 4.52 µM 2,4-D. Embryogenic cell clumps from cell suspension cultures developed into plantlets at a frequency of 56.7% when plated onto MS basal medium. Plantlets were transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a growth chamber.     

Fertile indica and japonica rice plants regenerated from protoplasts isolated from embryogenic haploid suspension cultures

Summary A system to regenerate fertile rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants (both indica and japonica varieties) from protoplasts isolated from anther-derived embryogenic haploid suspension cultures has been established. Green plants were regenerated from protoplast-derived cell clusters five months after suspension culture initiation. Protoplast yields and subsequent growth of the protoplast-derived microcalli were enhanced by transferring suspension cells into AA medium (Muller et al. 1978) three to four days prior to protoplast isolation. Protoplasts were cultured initially in Kao medium (Kao et al. 1977) and in association with nurse cells for four weeks. Protoplast-derived microcalli were transferred onto N6 (Chu et al. 1975) or MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) media for callus proliferation. Callus growth was more rapid and the calli were more enbryogenic when grown on N6 medium. The 2,4-D concentration used to develop the suspension culture was important. Cell cultures grown in medium containing 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D released protoplasts whose plating efficiency was higher than for protoplasts obtained from suspension cultures grown in 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D. However, suspension cells grown in 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D were superior with regard to the ability of protoplast-derived calli to regenerate green plants. Amongst several hormone treatments evaluated, a combination of 0.5 mg/l NAA + 5.0 mg/l BAP resulted in the largest number of green plants regenerated. There were no significant differences between BAP or kinetin regarding total number of plants regenerated. More than 200 green plants have been produced form six independently initiated suspension cell lines. The number of regenerated plants per 10⁶ protoplats plated anged from 0.4 to 20.0, and the average seed fertility of single panicles of these R_O plants was about 40%.     

Somatic embryogenesis and fertile green plant regeneration from suspension cell-derived protoplasts of rye (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Secale cereale</Emphasis> L.)

A method for somatic embryogenesis and fertile green plant regeneration from suspension cell-derived protoplasts of rye (Secale cereale L. cv. Auvinen) was developed. Fast-growing and friable embryogenic calli with a high regeneration capacity were induced from immature rye inflorescences using modified MS medium. These friable embryogenic calli were used for suspension culture initiation in liquid AA medium. A high yield of protoplasts was obtained from suspension cell clumps after 3–5 days of subculture. Isolated protoplasts were cultured in KM8p medium. The frequency of protoplast cell divisions and colony formations in liquid culture medium were similar to those on agarose-solidified medium. Compact embryogenic calli were developed from protoplast-derived microcalli in growth medium mMS. Approximately 7% of the transferred embryogenic calli produced green shoots on N₆ regeneration medium. Of 33 green plants, 28 were fertile with normal flowering and seed set. The ratio of green and albino plantlets was 1:4. Rye protoplast-derived green plants showed normal diploid characters as determined by flow cytometer analysis and chromosome counting.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-Dichorophenoxyacetic acid - FDA Fluorescein diacetate - FW Fresh weight - GA₃ Gibberellic acid - Kinetin 6-Furfurylaminopurine - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - NAA -Naphthaleneacetic acid     

Plant regeneration from protoplasts of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Hartog)

Morphologically normal green plants have reproducibly been regenerated from protoplasts of an Australian wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Hartog). The protoplasts were isolated from fine embryogenic suspension cultures which were initiated from embryogenic callus. Protoplasts were incubated in a modified liquid MS medium containing half strength of the macroelements, 5 m 2,4-D and 0.6 M glucose. Colonies were formed at frequencies ranging from 0.1% to 5%. The frequency of colonies forming fully developed plants varied between 1% and 25%. More than eighty green plants with morphologically normal shoots and roots have been obtained and there was no difficulty in establishing these plants in soil. A cytological study of several randomly selected regenerated plants showed the normal chromosome complement for wheat (2n = 42).     

Evolution of endogenous hormone concentration in embryogenic cultures of carrot during early expression of somatic embryogenesis

Embryogenic callus and suspension cultures of carrot (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantaise), growing on/in medium including 1 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), were transferred to medium with or without this plant growth regulator, to impair or induce, respectively, further development of somatic embryos. The endogenous hormone levels of the cultures were determined over 7 days by means of radio-immunoassay, to characterize their evolution in the initial stages of embryo development. In general, levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) showed only short-lived differences among treatments during this time in both types of tissue analyzed (i.e., a peak of IAA in callus cultures in the absence of 2,4-D, 48 h after medium change, and higher ABA contents 144 h after subculture of suspension cultures in the presence of 2,4-D). Gibberellins (1, 3 and 20) were detected only in suspension cultures devoid of 2,4-D, starting 24 h after subculture. Concerning the evaluated cytokinins—zeatin/zeatin riboside and N⁶(²-isopentenyl) adenine/N⁶(²-isopentenyl) adenosine—the most remarkable observation is that high levels of the former generally coincided with low concentrations of the latter, indicating a shift from precursor to the active form, and vice versa.     

Transformation of pickling cucumber with chitinase-encoding genes using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Summary Transformation of cucumber cv. Endeavor was attempted using three Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains (a supervirulent leucinopine type, an octopine type and a nopaline type), each harbouring one of three binary vectors which contained an acidic chitinase gene from petunia, and basic chitinase genes from tobacco and bean, respectively, driven by the CaMV 35S promoter. Petiole explants were inoculated with a bacterial suspension (10⁸ cells·ml^–1), cocultivated for 48–96 h and placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 5.0 M each of 2,4-D and BA, 50 mg·l^–1 kanamycin and 500 mg·l^–1 carbenicillin. The frequency of embryogenic callus formation ranged from 0 to 12%, depending on strains/vectors used and length of cocultivation, with the highest being obtained using the leucinopine strain with petunia acidic chitinase gene. The kanamycin-resistant embryogenic calli were used to initiate suspension cultures (in liquid MS medium with 1.0/1.0 M 2,4-D/BA, 50 mg·l^–1 kanamycin) for multiplication of embryogenic cell aggregates. Upon plating of cell aggregates onto solid MS medium with 1.0/1.0 M NAA/BA and 50 mg·l^–1 kanamycin, calli continued to grow and later differentiated into plantlets. Transformation by the leucinopine strain and all three vectors was confirmed by PCR amplification of the NPT II gene in transgenic calli and plants, in addition to Southern analysis. Expression of the acidic chitinase gene (from petunia) and both basic chitinase genes (from tobacco and bean) in different transgenic cucumber lines was confirmed by Western analyses.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BA 6-benzyl-aminopurine - CaMV cauliflower mosaic virus - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - NPT II neomycin phosphotransferase II - PCR polymerase chain reaction     

Cryopreservation of embryogenic suspension cultures of Cyclamen persicum Mill.

We have developed a simple protocol for the cryopreservation of embryogenic suspension cultures of Cyclamen persicum. Embryogenic suspension cultures in the linear growth phase 7–10 days after subculture were used for cryopreservation. Of the different cryoprotectants tested during a 2-day pre-culture, 0.6 M sucrose resulted in the highest re-growth rates of 75%. An additional pre-treatment with 0.6 M sucrose and 10% DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) for 1 h also positively affected re-growth. Microscopic studies on viability revealed that only few small embryogenic cells survived cryopreservation, while vacuolated single cells died. Experiments in which the duration of the pre-culture period—i.e. the length of time the embryogenic suspension cells were exposed to 0.6 M sucrose—was varied showed that 2–4 days was the most optimal exposure time to 0.6 M sucrose. Callus re-grown after cryopreservation showed growth rates similar to that of unfrozen callus and regenerated even higher numbers of somatic embryos than unfrozen callus.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DM Dry mass - DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide - FDA Fluorescein diacetate - FM Fresh mass - 2IP 6-(,-Dimethylallylamino)purine - LN Liquid nitrogen - rpm Rounds per minute - SCV Sedimented cell volume     

Composition of embryogenic suspension cultures of Ipomoea batatas Poir. and production of individualized embryos

Embryogenic suspension cultures of Ipomoea batatas Poir. contain heterogeneous populations of discrete cellular units. In order to optimize embryo production, a study was conducted to identify the embryogenic fraction of such cultures. Suspension cultures were fractionated with sieves of 1000, 710, 500, 355, 250, 180, 125, 90 and 63m mesh openings and the composition of each fraction was determined. Cellular units larger than 355 m were primarily calli and made up 75% of the total mass of cultures in the stationary phase of growth. These calli were composed of embryogenic and non-embryogenic subunits, and 98% of the embryogenic subunits measured 355–1000 m. Calli and embryogenic calli subunits produced clusters of embryos at various stages of development upon transfer to liquid or solidified media without 2,4-D. The 125–355 m fraction of suspension cultures was composed of cell aggregates of which 20% were embryogenic. The embryogenic cell aggregates produced single globular embryos upon transfer to liquid media containing 0 or 1 M 2,4-D. The 63–125 m fraction of suspension cultures contained only 2% of embryogenic cell aggregates. It can be inferred from our results that the embryogenic fraction of cultures was essentially represented in calli, and that proliferation of the embryogenic fraction occurred through the separation of embryogenic cell aggregates from larger calli when cultures approached their stationary growth phase.Abbreviations and definitions cellular units single cells, cell aggregates, and calli - cell aggregates discrete associations of cells - calli association of cell aggregates - embryogenic cell aggregates yellow aggregates of cytoplasmic cells which have the potential to produce embryogenic calli or embryos [3] - non-embryogenic cell aggregates white aggregates of vacuolated cells [3] - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indoleacetic acid     

Factors affecting the establishment and maintenance of embryogenic callus and suspension cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Improved suspension cell culture systems are needed to facilitate the application of recombinant DNA technology for wheat germplasm enhancement. This study evaluated three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, and the effects of medium basal salts, 2,4-D, sucrose, and L-proline concentrations on the establishment of rapidly growing and highly embryogenic callus and suspension cultures. Percent embryogenic calli was visually estimated and verified with light and scanning electron microscopy. The most highly embryogenic callus was produced by cultivar Bobwhite on medium with MS basal salts, 5.6 M 2,4-D, 58 mM sucrose, and zero proline. The suspension cultures that produced the greatest number of regenerated plants utilized callus tissue produced on solid medium with MS basal salts, 87 mM sucrose, 9 M 2,4-D, and no proline.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog medium (1962) - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - NAA napthaleneacetic acid; RG, relative growth - %EC percent embryogenic calli - RV Redway and Vasil medium (1990a) - DPA days postanthesis     

Growth of and quassin accumulation by cultures of Quassia amara

Callus and suspension cultures were established from Quassia amara, a member of the Simaroubaceae. Analysis of the tissue culture showed that quassin was present in both callus and suspension cultures. The effect of variation in auxin and cytokinins on both callus growth and the presence of quassin was examined. The suspension culture was grown in a 7 liter bioreactor when good yields of quassin were achieved.Abbreviations IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - 6BA 6-benzyladenine - IpA N⁶ (-isopentenyl) adenine - IpAR N⁶ ( isopentenyl) adenine riboside - td doubling time     

Plant regeneration from somatic embryogenic suspension cultures of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Maintainable, highly embryogenic suspension cultures of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Coker 310) have been obtained. Callus cultures were initiated from cotyledonary tissues from aseptically-germinated seedlings. To establish the suspension cultures, callus tissue was placed in a liquid medium containing either 0.5 mg/l picloram or 0.1 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. For proliferation of the embryogenic suspension, 5 mg/l of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was used. Embryo development took place when the embryogenic tissue was transferred to an auxin-free liquid medium containing 15 mM glutamine. Early embryo development was fairly synchronous and large numbers of somatic embryos were produced. Regenerated plants were fertile and smaller than seed-derived plants.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid     

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     

Initiation and growth characteristics of suspension cultures of Calendula officinalis cells

Callus cultures of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) were induced on Murashige and Skoog medium with different concentrations of auxin (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and cytokinin (kinetin or 6-(,-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP). Of all hormone combinations used in the medium, two were the most efficient in promoting callus development: 1.81 M (0.4 mg l^–1) 2,4-D and 1.85 M (0.4 mg l^–1) kinetin (0.4d–0.4k culture) or 0.45 M (0.1 mg l^–1) 2,4-D and 2.02 M (0.5 mg l^–1) 2iP (0.1d–0.5p culture). These combinations were selected to induce cell suspension cultures. The suspension cultures were maintained under light or dark conditions. The light stimulated cell aggregation in the cultures. In both cultures cells were undifferentiated under darkness, whereas in the light, rhyzogenesis was observed in 0.1d–0.5p culture. The cell growth and protein and oleanolic acid contents were determined. Initially, biomass production was similar under light and dark conditions, but after 7–8 months from the induction the cell growth was reduced by approximately 30% in the light, whereas the cell growth of the cultures maintained under darkness did not reveal any changes. The presence of oleanolic acid was detected in the suspension cultures kept in darkness. This compound reached two quantitative peaks: in the lag and stationary phases –- beyond the active growth phase of the culture cycle and its concentration was several times higher in 0.1d–0.5p culture than that in 0.4d–0.4k culture. It was for the first time that callus and suspension cultures were induced from the marigold plant.     

Scale-up of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) I subculture and indirect secondary somatic embryogenisis

Three methods of increasing the productivity of somatic embryogenesis in Medicago sativa L. were investigated. In the basic procedure, somatic embryos were initiated from young petioles and carried through several phases: callus formation, suspension culture, selection of the embryogenic fraction by sieving, development, maturation, desiccation and storage. The suspensions were normally separated into three fractions by sieving. Fraction I (<200 m) containing nonembryogenic cells or cell clusters was discarded. Fraction II (200–500 m) consisting of embryogenic cell clusters was collected for embryo development and maturation. Fraction III (over 500 M) containing the mixture of petiole residues with large pieces of calli and globular somatic embryos was usually discarded. Several methods to scale-up the suspension phase were unsuccessful. Direct subculture of the entire suspension by the addition of fresh liquid medium resulted in the loss of embryogenic capacity by the third subculture. Subculture of fraction II decreased embryogenic cell mass, and hence reduced total productivity. The recycling of fraction III back to fresh B₅g liquid medium resulted in high productivity in the first culture but further subculture of this fraction resulted in a rapid decline in the embryogenic capacity.As an alternative, somatic embryos from the first tissue culture cycle were also used as explants for the initiation of secondary embryogenic callus. The embryogenic capacity of these somatic embryo explants declined rapidly as they matured. More than 100 secondary somatic embryos could be induced from embryo explants removed from development medium at 10 days after sieving the suspension, but only 40 somatic embryos were produced from each mature somatic embryo explant, and 13 from desiccated embryos. The secondary somatic embryos were comparable to the primary embryos in quality according to germination tests. The implications of the results to the efficiency of somatic embryo production of Medicago are discussed.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DAS days after sieving - PPF photosynthetic photon flux density - SE somatic embryo     

Plant regeneration of rose (Rosa hybridia) from embryogenic cell-derived protoplasts

Culture conditions are described for sustained cell division and plant regeneration from protoplasts of rose (Rosa hybrida L. `Sumpath'). Protoplasts were enzymatically isolated from 2-week-old embryogenic cell suspension cultures. Freshly isolated protoplasts were plated as a thin layer onto protoplast culture medium (half-strength 21 Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 60 g l^–1 myo-inositol, 4.4 M BA, and 1.4 M 2,4-D) at a density of 5×10⁴ protoplasts ml^–1. The plating efficiency reached 3.9% after 2 weeks of culture. However, few protoplasts underwent cell division when cultured in protoplast culture medium in which 60 g l^–1 myo-inositol was replaced with the same osmolarity of 90 g l^–1 mannitol, indicating that myo-inositol is essential for sustained cell division of protoplasts. Colonies were formed after 8 weeks of culture at a frequency of 0.2%. Colonies were then transferred to colony culture medium (0.4% Gelrite-solidified protoplast culture medium) and maintained by subculturing at 4-week intervals to form embryogenic calluses. Upon transfer to half-strength MS basal medium, embryogenic calluses gave rise to numerous somatic embryos. Somatic embryos were transferred to half-strength MS basal medium containing 48 mg l^–1 ferric ethylenediamine di-(o-hydroxyphenylacetate), where they subsequently developed into plantlets at a frequency of 30.9%. The plantlets had the same chromosome number of 2n=3x=21 as the source plant. They were successfully transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a greenhouse.