Regeneration of somatic embryos in Theobroma cacao L. in temporary immersion bioreactor and analyses of free amino acids in different tissues.

The present study aimed at developing temporary immersion bioreactor techniques for multiplication of cacao somatic embryos. Temporary Immersion System (TIS), i.e. flooding of plant tissue at regular time intervals provides an efficient way to propagate plants. Somatic embryos were regenerated in twin flask bioreactors. The TIS proved to be suitable for mass regeneration of somatic embryos and for their subsequent direct sowing. The number of embryos after 3 months of culture was significantly higher in TIS cultures than in the solid medium variant. TIS also improved embryo development regarding the conversion to torpedo shaped forms. Matured embryos derived from TIS and pre-treated with 6% sucrose were converted into plants after direct sowing. Additionally to the influence of culture conditions on the development of somatic embryogenesis the content and composition of free amino acids were analysed. The content of free amino acids in somatic embryos rose as immersion frequency increased. The endogenous free GABA content in embryogenic callus was significantly higher than in non-embryogenic callus.

Loss of pectin is an early event during infection of cocoyam roots by Pythium myriotylum.

Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an important tuber crop in most tropical zones of Africa and America. In Cameroon, its cultivation is hampered by a soil-borne fungus Pythium myriotylum which is responsible for root rot disease. The mechanism of root colonisation by the fungus has yet to be elucidated. In this study, using microscopical and immunocytochemical methods, we provide a new evidence regarding the mode of action of the fungus and we describe the reaction of the plant to the early stages of fungal invasion. We show that the fungal attack begins with the colonisation of the peripheral and epidermal cells of the root apex. These cells are rapidly lost upon infection, while cortical and stele cells are not. Labelling with the cationic gold, which binds to negatively charged wall polymers such as pectins, is absent in cortical cells and in the interfacial zone of the infected roots while it is abundant in the cell walls of stele cells. A similar pattern of labelling is also found when using the anti-pectin monoclonal antibody JIM5, but not with anti-xyloglucan antibodies. This suggests that early during infection, the fungus causes a significant loss of pectin probably via degradation by hydrolytic enzymes that diffuse and act away from the site of attack. Additional support for pectin loss is the demonstration, via sugar analysis, that a significant decrease in galacturonic acid content occurred in infected root cell walls. In addition, we demonstrate that one of the early reactions of X. sagittifolium to the fungal invasion is the formation of wall appositions that are rich in callose and cellulose.