CRYOPRESERVATION OF EMBRYOGENIC SUSPENSION-CULTURES OF BARLEY (HORDEUM-VULGARE L)

Anther-derived suspension cultures of Hordeum vulgare L. were cryopreserved by slow cooling and storage in liquid nitrogen for up to 55 days. Cells were pre-cultivated in L3 suspension medium supplemented with sorbitol. For freeze preservation the cells were treated with different combinations of cryoprotectant agents such as DMSO, proline, glycerol and sucrose. After rapid thawing high viabilities of up to 77 % could be achieved. Cell growth commenced 2 - 3 weeks later. The frequency of plantlet regeneration was 1 %.