Somatic embryo-like structures of strawberry regenerated in vitro on media supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP.

Somatic embryo-like structures (SELS) were produced in vitro from leaf disk and petiole explants of two cultivars of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) on Murashige and Skoog medium with different concentrations and combinations of 2,4‑dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and sucrose to check the embryonic nature of these structures histologically. A large number of SELS could be regenerated in both cultivars on media with 2 - 4 mg L-1 2,4-D in combination with 0.5 - 1 mg L-1 BAP and 50 g L-1 sucrose. Histological examination of SELS revealed the absence of a root pole. Therefore these structures cannot be strictly classified as somatic embryos. The SELS formed under the tested culture conditions represent malformed shoot-like and leaf-like structures. The importance of these results for the propagation of strawberries via somatic embryogenesis is discussed.

Screening for propagation suitability in vitro of different Cyclamen species / Revisión para la adecuación de propagación in vitro de diferentes especies de Cyclamen

In the present study we examined the possibility of propagating different Cyclamen species (C. africanum Boiss. and Reut., C. cilicium Boiss. and Heldr., C. coum Mill., C. hederifolium Ait., C. persicum Mill., C. purpurascens Mill.) including some of their subspecies and cultivars in vitro using explants of adult plants. For this purpose two protocols have been applied to eleven genotypes combined with mostly four explant types (placentas with ovules, leaves, petioles and peduncles). The use of these protocols has given rise to either somatic embryo-like structures and/or adventitious shoots in all genotypes. This way it was possible to propagate each of the examined genotypes in vitro using explants of adult plants in a time less than one year. These results may be used in breeding and propagation of Cyclamen as an ornamental plant and as a medicinal plant.

Influence of 2, 4-D and BAP on callus growth and the subsequent regeneration of somatic embryos in long-term cultures of Pelargonium x domesticum cv. Madame Layal

This long-term study demonstrates for the first time that it is possible to propagate embryogenic cultures in pelargoniums and to subsequently initiate the differentiation of embryos using the cultivar Madame Layal (Pelargonium x domesticum). Propagation of callus was only possible with combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), which gave rise to embryos from the primary culture stage on. However, the propagation of cells, as well as the differentiation of embryos, was inhibited by a continuous application of these growth regulators. For this reason, a long period on medium lacking growth regulators was necessary before the differentiation of embryos occurred again. The consequences for improving the propagation of embryogenic cultures in pelargoniums are discussed.