Stimulation of Plant Cell Division and Organogenesis by Short-Term, High-Voltage Electrical Pulses

Abstract

High-voltage, short-duration electrical pulses stimulate DNA synthesis in isolated higher plant protoplasts. They also promote the growth of protoplast-derived cells, and shoot regeneration from protoplast-derived tissues. Such effects of electrostimulation persist over many cell generations. This enhancement of growth and organogenesis has application in the multiplication of elite individuals and in maximizing the recovery of genetically engineered plants following somatic hybridization and transformation. Detailed knowledge of the precise mechanisms of action of electrical pulses on the stimulation of growth and morphogenesis in plant cells are still lacking. The possible synergistic effects of electrical and chemical parameters require further investigation.