Tomato Anther Callus Production: Solidifing Agent and Concentration Influence Induction of Callus

Abstract

Anthers from. three tomato cultivars, `L-680A', `Ailsa Craig', and `Licato', were plated on DBM1 medium solidified with one of four solidifying agents, Bacto-agar, Gelrite, Noble agar, or Phytagar, to evaluate their ability to promote initiation and growth of tomato anther callus. The optimum concentration of each solidifying agent was compared with a liquid control. Optimum levels of the various solidifying agents were (in g·liter -1 ) Phytagar, 5; Gelrite, 3; Noble agar, 6 and Bacto-agar, 8. Both the number and diameter of calluses were affected by type of solidifying agent and anther genotype. Significant interactions were also found between tomato cultivars and solidifying agent. Noble agar produced good results with `L-680A' and `Ailsa Craig', but not with `Licato'. Bacto-agar reduced the number and size of callus by 38% when compared with the liquid treatment and by 42% when compared with the best agar treatment (Noble agar).