Effects of temperature on growth during in vitro embryo culture of field bean (Vicia faba var. minor L.)

Abstract

Attainment of homozygous lines in grain legumes is multi-year procedure. It may be shortened by applying the single seed descent technique under greenhouse conditions. Additionally, this technique can be combined with in vitro culture of embryos dissected from immature seeds. The aim of this study was to establish in vitro conditions for the culture of field bean embryos as the first step in the development of homozygous lines. Four temperature regimes were applied and their influence on embryo development was evaluated. Under ex vitro conditions plant survival was observed. Our results indicate a good potential of embryo culture to shorten the time required for obtaining homozygous lines of field bean.