Somatic cell genetic studies inBrassica species

In vitro culture ofBrassica alba anthers on a growth medium containing inorganics of KB5 and organics, iron, sucrose and hormones of B5 resulted in a very high response of anthers (93.75%) towards callus induction. All the calli transferred to regeneration media responded favourably even after six months of callus induction. Numerous torpedo-shaped embryoids developed in clusters at many sites from each callus mass. Secondary embryogenesis and multiple shoot formation was also observed in many cases. The number of embryoids and plantlets produced by one embryogenic anther were as high as 169.8 and 17 respectively. 87% of the regenerated plants were haploids.     

Somatic embryogenesis inEchinochloa crusgalli

A white, compact embryogenic tissue was obtained from young inflorescence segments ofEchinochloa crusgalli (barnyard grass) cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium containing various concentrations and combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine. Histological and scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the white compact callus contained embryoids in various stages of development. Typical embryoids were bipolar and possessed scutella, coleoptiles and coleorhizae. The embryogenic nature of the callus was maintained throughout eight to ten subcultures spanning more than six months. A high frequency of plant regeneration was obtained when the 2,4-D concentration was reduced or 2,4-D was removed from the medium.     

Plant regeneration of Sapindus trifoliatus L. (soapnut) through somatic embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis and subsequent formation of plantlets was obtained from callus cultures derived from leaves of mature (over 60years old) Soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus L.) tree. Callus was induced from leaf explants and grown on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin. Reduction of 2,4-D concentration during subsequent subcultures resulted in formation of embryoids. These embryoids developed further when transferred to a medium containing benzylaminopurine and kinetin and then to a hormone-free medium. Unless 5-methyl tryptophan was added and the level of sucrose raised, the embryoids began to recallus and failed to form plantlets.     

In vitro organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants of Leucosceptrum canum sm.

Plantlets were obtained from leaf explants of a Labiatae tree — Leucosceptrum canum Sm. using plant tissue culture techniques. Two types of calli proliferated from the leaf explants when grown on different media, one of which was amenable to somatic embryogenesis. Differentiation of the embryoids started from the fourth passage of culture and continued up to the seventh passage. The number of embryoids decreased with the age of the callus. The capacity of such embryoids to form entire plantlets was studied using different nutrient mileux. Embryoids formed plantlets on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium fortified with benzylaminopurine plus indolebutyric acid. Organogenesis was observed in shoot-buds derived from explants of in vitro regenerated plantlets on MS basal medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine. Culture regenerated plantlets were transferred to MS medium without sucrose and growth hormones; finally transferred to pots containing sterile vermiculite where they are growing.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog's medium - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA indoleacetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid - Kn kinetin - BAP benzylaminopurine - CW coconut water     

Anther culture of papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) anther containing microspores in tetrad to early-binucleate stages were successfully cultured on 1/2 strength MS salts and vitamins with full strength Na-Fe-EDTA supplemented with 2 mg/l NAA, 1 mg/l BA and 6% sucrose for callus initiation and formation. Highest frequencies of callus induction were obtained when anthers at the uninucleate stage were cultured in the dark. Haploid plantlets and pollen-derived embryoids were obtained from anthers cultured at the uninucleate stage on solidified MS medium containing 3% sucrose without any growth regulators under a low light intensity (1,500 lux). Large quantities of embryoids were obtained when the original embryoids were transferred to MS medium with 3% sucrose and no growth regulators. Cytology of root tips of embryoid-derived plants confirmed the haploid chromosome number of 9 indicating that the embryoids originated from pollen.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - MAA naphthaleneacetic acid - BA 6-benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis and subsequent plant regeneration from inflorescence callus of Bambusa beecheyana Munro var. beecheyana

Somatic embryos of bamboo, Bambusa beecheyana Munro var. beecheyana were developed in callus derived from young florets and adventive roots obtained from floret callus. The medium was a modified Murashige and Skoog medium (1962) supplemented with 3 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2 mg/l kinetin, a high content of sucrose (6%) and 0.7% agar. The embryoids germinated spontaneously to yield whole plantlets on this medium with or without the hormonal adjuvants.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium     

Observations on Morphology and Cytology of Embryoids Derived from Callus of Maize

Observations on the callus sections showed that most embryoids were produced from surface layer cells of the callus and a few embryoids from inside layers of the callus. The initial cell of the embryoids possessed denser protoplasm and larger nucleus than the others cells did. The developmental sequence of the initial cell was similar to that of the zygotic embryos. First division gave rise to two daughter cells, the basal cell and terminal cell. The basal cell was able to divide or not divide again and changed into the suspensor, The terminal cell first divided longitudinally and then transversely into four cells. As the four cells further divided the embryo was formed properly. The embryoids possessed monody or polycotyledons. The production of the embryoids from a callus was not synchronous. So embryoids of different development stages could be found on the same callus.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cell suspension and tissue cultures of mature himalayan poplar (Populus ciliata)

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet formation were obtained from callus and cell suspension cultures of 40-year- old Himalayan Poplar (Populus ciliata Wall ex Royle). Callus and cell suspensions were obtained by transfer of inoculum of semiorganized leaf cultures, which were maintained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP), to MS with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Reduction of 2,4-D concentration during subsequent subculture of cell suspensions resulted in the formation of embryoids. These embryoids developed further only after being transferred to agar-based MS medium supplemented with BAP and naphthalene acetic acid. Loss of embryogenic potential was observed in cell suspensions after 6 subcultures. However, callus cultures retained the embryogenic potential even after repeated subcultures for more than a year. Plantlets could be successfully hardened and grown in natural outdoor conditions.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA 1-naphthalene acetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium     

Somatic embryogenesis and morphogenesis in callus derived from the epiblast of immature embryos of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Factors affecting the formation of embryogenic callus from the epiblast of immature embryos of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are described. Embryos were incubated on a modifed Murashige and Skoog medium with the scutellum in contact with medium. Callus formation from the epiblast was affected by the type of cultivar used, the stage of embryo development, and the concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in the culture medium. The number of embryos forming embryogenic callus ranged from 10% to 72%, depending on the cultivar. Embryo development was classified into five distinct morphological stages and higher yields of callus were produced using embryos excised at stages II and III. Concentrations of 2,4-D higher than 1 μM were required for the formation of embryogenic callus. Epiblast callus gave rise to embryoids which differentiated into multiple plants at a high frequency when placed on hormone-free medium.     

Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration from Embryo of Elaeis guineenis Jacq

This paper deals with the preliminary results on callus induction and plant regeration from embryo in vitro of Elaeis guineenis. When mature embryos were cultured on dedifferen- tiation medium they proliferated calli during 30-90 days of culture. Among auxins applied, 2,4-D was more important for callus induction however 2,4-D and NAA combination gave bet- ter result. On the contrary, kinetin inhibited callus formation and growth. These experimental results explain that a higher callus induction frequency depends not only on the constituents of the medium used but also on the genotype of donor plants. After transfering the calli onto kinetin-containing media for a peirad, embryoids, which showed typical configuration of zygotic embryo, could be obtained. The embryoids can further develop into whole plants on a shoot induction medium. Some embryoids have subjected to srveral generations of subculture and still retained the ability to embryoid multification and plant regeneration.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Cichorium intybus L. (Witloof,Compositae)

Somatic embryogenesis of Cichorium intybus L. var. Carolus is induced using cubical pieces of mature tap roots with an intervening callus phase. A Murashige and Skoog's (MS) semi solid basal medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (0.02 or 0.2 mg/l) and benzylaminopurine (0.25 mg/l) and a liquid MS medium devoid of growth regulators are used respectively for induction of callus and somatic embryoids and for further development and germination. Regeneration from the nodular proembryonal stage to the full grown embryoids occurs following different morphological pathways depending on the physical and chemical environment of the culture. Further development of these embryos into plantlets and the possibilities of application of this technique in plantbreeding have been discussed.Abbreviations MS Murashige and Skoog medium - BAP benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf tissues of Panicum maximum Jacq.

Summary Somatic embryogenesis was induced in proliferating leaf segments of Panicum maximum Jacq., cultured on Murashige and Skoog's nutrient medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and coconut milk. The embryoids gave rise to plants on a medium containing gibberellic acid. The plants were successfully transplanted to soil and grown to maturity. Histological examination of proliferating leaves showed that the embryogenic callus tissue was formed by divisions in cells of the lower epidermis as well as the mesophyll tissue. The regenerated plants showed the normal chromosome number of 2n=4x=32.Florida Agriculture Experiment Station Journal Series No. 2775     

High frequency embryoid and plantlet formation from tissue cultures of the Finger millet-Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

Compact nodulated embryogenic callus differentiated from cultured seeds of Eleusine coracana (Finger Millet) on Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (1.0, 3.0 mg ^l). This embryogenic callus was maintained on a medium with a lower level of 2,4 — dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. At every subculture the embryogenic callus had some preexisting embryoids in it. With this method of subculture the callus has retained its morphogenic potential for four years. Following transfer to media with different levels of auxins and cytokinins, the callus showed varied patterns of growth and morphogenesis. Embryoids could be germinated in profusion to form plantlets which could be transferred to the field. Shoot buds also differentiated from the whole surface of the embryoid or from the flattened meristemoids.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA napthaleneacetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid - KN kinetin - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - GA₃ Gibberellic acid     

Callus formation and induction of a cell suspension culture from Acacia senegal

Cell proliferation has been induced from the cambial zone of a branch of Acacia senegal, kept on the basal Knop and Ball medium in the presence of auxin. Transferred on the more complete nutrient medium of Schenk and Hildebrandt, the colonies gave rise to several cell lines. One of the friable lines, consisting of aggregates of parenchymatous cells, gave a cell suspension culture in an agitated liquid medium which is maintained as a strain of illimited growth. The heterogeneous suspension did not undergo noticeable changes after eight transfers. Aggregates collected on a 1000-m nylon seive were able to grow on a solid medium and gave back a friable callus similar to the initial colonies.     

Somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis from interspecific hybrid embryos of Vigna glabrescens and V. radiata

Somatic embryogenesis occurred on cotyledons of morphologically abnormal embryos derived from Vigna glabrescens x V. radiata crosses and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without growth regulators. The frequency of 15–17 day old embryos that gave rise to somatic embryos increased from 8% to 29% by application a mixture of 100 mg/l gibberelllc acid, 25 mg/l -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 5 mg/l kinetin daily to the pedicels of the developing pods. However, only callus formed on immature hybrid embryos of the reciprocal cross. These callus tissues occasionally gave rise to shoots via organogenesis when transferred to MS medium with 2 mg/l N⁶-benzyladenine and 0.05 mg/l NAA. Treatment of pods with growth regulators did not influence the frequency of organogenic callus. Selfed embryos of the parents did not form somatic embryos in culture, nor did callus derived from the selfed embryos produce shoots. Thus, the ability to redifferentiate appears to be associated with interspecific hybridity.     

Production of haploid plantlets in anther cultures of Albizzia lebbeck L.

Anthers of Albizzia lebbeck on B₅ medium (BM) supplemented with kinetin (2 mg/l) and 2, 4-D (0.5 mg/l) showed callus initiation from microspores. Differentiation of embryoids and shoots was obtained on BM + BAP (1 mg/l) + IAA (0.5 mg/l) and of roots on BM. Root tip squashes of the regenerated plantlets showed the haploid chromosome number (n=13), confirming the microspore origin of the regenerants.     

Embryogenesis and Plantlet Formation in Tissue Cultures of Celery

Callus cultures were initiated from sections of petioles ofcelery (Apium graveolens) var. Lathom Blanching on a modificationof the Murashige and Skoog medium. The callus, when isolatedfrom the parent explant, could be sub-cultured at regular intervalsforming both new callus and embryoids during each subculture.The embryoids appeared to be initiated on the callus surfacewhere early embryonic forms were found, but their continueddevelopment into plants only occurred when embryoids were transferredto a hormonefree medium. Embryoids were also formed in suspensionculture following inoculation of the liquid medium by differentiatingcallus, but again development of these structures was limitedto the early embryonic forms. When transferred to a solid hormone-freemedium, the embryoids, from either callus or suspension culture,developed into plantlets which could be transferred to soiland grown to maturity with only a few losses. The relevanceof this system as an aid in the breeding programme of self-blanchingcelery is discussed.     

HISTOLOGY OF SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN PANICUM MAXIMUM (GUINEA GRASS)

Immature embryos of Panicum maximum Jacq. (Guinea grass) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (5 mg/1) and coconut milk (5%). The epidermal and subepidermal cells of the scutellum at the coleorhizal end either formed somatic embryos directly or gave rise to embryogenic callus at several loci. Somatic embryos were formed later also at the periphery of these embryogenic calli. The embryoids originated from single, densely staining, nonvacuolated and starch-containing cells with thickened walls and developed through characteristic stages of grass embryogeny.     

Somaclonal variation inLolium multiflorum L. andL. temulentum L.

Tiller-derived callus ofLolium multiflorum L. gave rise to 65 regenerants displaying variation in height, flowering time, chromosome number and alteration to the banding pattern of the isoenzyme superoxide dismutase. Plants were also regenerated from callus cultures initiated from immature embryos of the related inbreeding speciesLolium temulentum L. Progeny of the regenerated plants from this species displayed variation in height, flowering date, ear length and chlorophyll content.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine     

Direct somatic embryogenesis from protoplasts of Foeniculum vulgare

Protoplasts prepared from an embryogenic cell suspension culture of fennel gave rise to somatic embryoids directly through unequal cell divisions of enlarged, ellipsoidal cells, when embedded in hormone-free LS agarose medium. On the other hand, protoplasts embedded in LS agarose medium containing 2,4-D and kinetin proliferated through unpolarized cell divisions to form calli, which gave somatic embryoids on the surface upon transfer onto the same medium. In either case, somatic embryoids germinated to develop into normal plantlets when cultured on hormone-free LS agar medium under illumination.