Plant regeneration from protoplasts of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)

Summary Enzymatically isolated leaf-derived protoplasts of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) were cultured in modified B5 medium containing 1 mg/l NAA, 0.4 mg/l BA, 0.5% sucrose, 0.5 M mannitol and 0.1% Gelrite (first medium). After 30 d culture at 25°C in the dark, protoplasts formed colonies consisting of about 100 cells. Gelrite medium blocks were transferred into liquid medium to promote further growth. Colonies of 0.5 mm transferred to 0.2% Gelrite solidified medium (same components as first medium) formed green calli (1–2 mm) under incubation in the light. Green calli transferred to differentiation medium (B5, 0.1 mg/l NAA, 5 mg/l BA, 2% sucrose, 0.2 M mannitol, 0.2% Gelrite) developed shoot buds after 3–4 weeks. Whole plants were recovered following rooting of shoots in B5 medium without hormones.Abbreviations BA 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - KIN kinetin - ZEA zeatin - CPW cell and protoplast wash solution - B5 Gamborg et al. (1968) mineral elements - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) mineral elements