Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet formation from a rare and endangered tree species, Oplopanax elatus

Kyu Moon Heung, Ah Kim Ji, Young Park So, Wook Kim Yong, Duck Kang Ho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

We tested the possibility of plantlet formation via somatic embryogenesis with leaf segments and mature zygotic embryos from a rare and endangered tree species, Oplopanax elatus. To induce calli, explants were cultured under darkness in a solid MS medium containing 3% sucrose, 1g L-1 glutamine, and 0.3% gelrite. Treatment supplements included 2,4-D alone or in combination with thidiazuron. Generally, callus induction and growth were good from leaf explants, whereas embryogenic calli could be induced only from zygotic embryos. These embryogenic calli were white or pale yellow and very friable. ABA and activated charcoal appeared to be important factors when inducing somatic embryos, with optimum levels being 0.1 mg L-1 and 0.02%, respectively. Many somatic embryos showed abnormalities during their development on the germination medium, but 35% could be converted if placed on a medium containing gibberellic acid (GA3). The germinating embryos sometimes formed secondary embryos at the lower portion of the hypocotyls. Normal or converted plantlets were acclimatized in an artificial soil mixture; their survival was about 60% after two months. This culturing system provides a feasible approach for regenerating plants, via somatic embryogenesis, from mature zygotic embryos.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)320-325
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Plant Biology
Volume49
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Aug 2006

Keywords

  • Micropropagation
  • Oplopanax elatus
  • Plantlet formation
  • Somatic embryogenesis
  • Zygotic embryos

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