The effect of sugars on niger embryogenesis and plant regeneration in anther culture

Abstract

The influence of different sugars (sucrose, maltose, glucose and fructose, 0.05-0.5 M) on embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cultured anthers of niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass.] have been studied. Among the different sugars tested, 0.2 M sucrose was the best for embryo induction and plant regeneration. Maximum of 57 embryos per 60 anthers were induced on embryo induction medium [Gamborg's B5 medium supplemented with 10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2 μM kinetin (KIN)] containing 0.2 M sucrose. Embryo differentiation was achieved on B5 medium supplemented with 0.5 μM benzyladenine (BA) and 0.09 M sucrose. Embryo maturation was on B5 medium containing 10 μM abscisic acid (ABA) and 0.09 M sucrose. Embryo germination was achieved on B5 medium with 0.09 M sucrose. Embryos that were developed on B5 medium supplemented with 0.2 M sucrose showed highest frequency (68 %) of plant regeneration. © 2007 Institute of Experimental Botany, ASCR.