Testing of regeneration ability of protoplasts isolated from different genotypes of cultivated sunflower

Abstract

Protoplasts isolated from different genotypes of cultivated sunflower differ in their ability to divide and regenerate in culture. Since plant regeneration is ultimate goal of protoplast culture and since regeneration ability in vitro conditions of cultivated sunflower is limited to only a small number of genotypes, it is desirable to test genotypes for their regeneration capacity before their introduction into the experiment. 16 genotypes of cultivated sunflower were tested for their regeneration ability. Protoplasts, isolated from hypocotyls of 5-days old plants, were put in culture in agarose droplets Percentage of divisions after 7,14 and 21 days of culture, as well as intensity of callusogenesis were determined Obtained results were analyzed by variance analysis. Significant difference in division percentage was observed as early as in 7U| day of culture. Difference in intensity of callus genesis could be observed in fourth week of culture. Inbred line CMSi-50A was found the best for division percentage as well as for intensity of callusogenesis.