High-frequency callus induction and plant regeneration in Tripsacum dactyloides (L.)

A protocol for high-frequency callus, somatic embryogenesis, and plant regeneration for Tripsacum is described. Plants were regenerated from complete shoot meristems (3-41 mm) via organogenesis and embryogenesis. In organogenesis, the shoot meristems were. cultured directly on a high cytokinin medium comprising 5-10 mg l(-1) (22.2-44.4 muM) 6-benzyladenine (BA). The number of multiple. shoots varied from six to eight from each meristem. The time required for production of plants front organogenesis was rapid (4-6wk). In contrast, callus was induced on an auxin medium and continuously cultured on an auxin medium for production of somatic embryos. Prolific callus with numerous somatic embryos developed within 3-4wk when cultured on an auxin medium containing)mg l(-1) (22.6 muM) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyaoctic acid (2,4-D). The number of shoots induced varied from two to five per callus. Regardless of the cultivars used, the frequency of callus induction and plant regeneration was between 48%, and 94%. The seed germination procedures also were modified and resulted in a maximum of 60-80% seed germination. Finally, the rate of T-DNA transfer to complete shoot meristems of Tripsacum was high on the auxin medium and was independent of whether super-virulent strains of Agrobacterium were used or not.