Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in Tilia cordata

Somatic embryogenesis is a highly efficient asexual propagation method for plants. In this study, immature syncytial embryos of Tilia cordata were used as explants to investigate the effects of various concentrations and ratios of plant growth regulators on callus induction and proliferation, and somatic embryo induction in somatic embryogenesis, with the ultimate goal of establishing an optimized somatic embryogenesis system. The optimal hormone combination for callus induction was 3.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), resulting in an induction rate of 64.25%. The optimal hormone combination for callus proliferation was 3.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.2 mg/L 6-BA, leading to a maximum proliferation coefficient of 1063.72%. A higher concentration of auxin and lower concentration of cytokinin enhanced callus growth. The optimal hormone combination for somatic embryo induction was 3.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.2 mg/L 6-BA, with a somatic embryogenesis rate of 46.41%. In this study, a complete somatic embryogenesis system for Tilia cordata was established, providing a basis for subsequent establishment of an efficient propagation and genetic transformation system for Tilia. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.