Sorbitol as the Primary Carbon Source for the Growth of Embryogenic Callus of Maize

The effects of various carbon sources on initiation and maintenance of embryogenic callus of maize (Zea mays L.) and on the regeneration of plants from embryogenic callus were studied. Growth of embryogenic callus tissue on media containing sucrose was typified by the subsequent growth of both embryogenic (regenerable) and nonembryogenic (nonregenerable) callus. Growth of embryogenic callus on sorbitol was unique among the carbon sources tested in that sorbitol supported the subsequent growth of only embryogenic callus. Further experiments demonstrated that embryogenic callus grown on sorbitol had a greater regenerative capacity (more plants produced per gram fresh weight of callus) than callus grown on sucrose. Sorbitol dehydrogenase was detected in embryogenic callus of maize at a specific activity roughly equivalent to that found in zygotic embryos of developing seeds. Nonembryogenic callus did not contain significant levels of sorbitol dehydrogenase activity.