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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Washington, D.C. » National Arboretum » Floral and Nursery Plants Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #154118
Title: FACTORS AFFECTING SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN PRUNUS INCISA 'FEBRUARY PINK'

Author
item CHEONG, EUNJU - FAS, USDA
item Pooler, Margaret

Submitted to: Plant Cell Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2004
Publication Date: 6/1/2004
Citation: Cheong, E., Pooler, M.R. 2004. Factors Affecting Somatic Embryogenesis in Prunus Incisa cv. February Pink. Plant Cell Reports. 2004. v:22, pp:810-815.

Interpretive Summary: In-vitro grown root explants from a flowering cherry cultivar 'February Pink' were subjected to a variety of culture conditions to determine which were most effective in inducing somatic embryogenesis. Using a basic embryogenic media, the effects of light, growth regulators, amino acids, carbohydrate source, and root explant media were evaluated. Culturing explants in light or dark conditions both resulted in the formation of embryos. While sucrose and glucose were effective in inducing embryogenesis, sorbitol and mannitol completely inhibited embryogenesis. Embryos that formed in media containing 4 or 5% sucrose were abnormally shaped and did not fully develop. Embryos that formed in media with sucrose concentrations of 2 or 3% were much more vigorous. Root explants that were induced on media containing the growth regulator indole butyric acid (IBA) produced more somatic embryos than explants induced on media without IBA. In all, approximately fifty percent of root explants produced somatic embryos on media under optimal conditions. These somatic embryos can serve as the starting material for genetic enhancement of flowering cherry germplasm.

Technical Abstract: Factors affecting somatic embryogenesis from root explants of Prunus incisa 'February Pink' were investigated. Using a basic embryogenic media of MS salts and vitamins with 10 uM 2,4,-D, the effects of light, growth regulators, amino acids, carbohydrate source, and root explant media were evaluated. Culturing explants in light or dark conditions both resulted in the formation of embryos. Embryogenesis was inhibited by the addition of BA, TDZ, or GA3 to the media. Amino acids were not effective in promoting embryogenesis, and high levels of amino acids inhibited embryogenesis. While sucrose and glucose were effective in inducing embryogenesis, sorbitol and mannitol completely inhibited embryogenesis. Sucrose and glucose also promoted the formation of secondary embryos. Embryos that formed in media containing 4 or 5% sucrose were abnormally shaped and did not fully develop. Embryos that formed in media with sucrose concentrations of 2 or 3% were much more vigorous. Root explants that were induced on media containing 1.0 uM IBA produced more somatic embryos than explants induced on media without IBA. In all, approximately fifty percent of roots induced on medium containing 1.0 uM IBA produced somatic embryos on media containing 10 uM 2,4-D and 3% sucrose.