Effect of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and NaCl on the Establishment of Callus and Plant Regeneration in Durum and Bread Wheat

Optimal callus induction and plant regeneration were obtained in bread and durum wheat by manipulating the NaCl concentration in the induction medium. Immature embryos from a high regeneration line of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 'MPB-Bobwhite 26', and an elite durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum L.), 'Mexicali', were cultured in E3 induction medium consisting of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, 2.5 mg l^–1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2% sucrose and 0.9% Bacto agar. The treated embryos were transferred to E3 liquid medium supplemented with various levels of 2,4-D and NaCl. Incubation on medium containing 2.5 mg l^–1 2,4-D for 45 days produced callus and plant regeneration in 'MPB-Bobwhite 26', but lower callus yield and plant regeneration in 'Mexicali', indicating that 2,4-D alone was not sufficient for callus induction and plant regeneration in this durum variety. Callus yield and regeneration frequencies were higher in 'Mexicali' embryos that were incubated in media containing 2 mg l^–1 2,4-D and 2 mg l^–1 NaCl. The presence of NaCl in the medium beyond the initiation phase was detrimental to plant regeneration. The use of NaCl in the callus formation could form the basis for improved transformation of durum wheat varieties.