[Plant regeneration from protoplast culture in flax (Linum usitatissimum)]

Shoot protoplasts of four fiber flax (Linum usitatissimum) varieties (7309, 948, Belinka and Viking) were isolated and cultured. The optimal condition for higher protoplast yield 1.8 x 10(6)/gFW and activity 85.5% (c.v. 948) were from 10 day old seedings. Culture in V-KM Agroase-island medium led to first divisions after 3 days (c. v. 948), and after twenty days with an efficiency of 36% of divided cells and 5.2% in plating efficiency. Plant regeneration was obtained in 7309 and Belinka on agar media B5-2, MS3 containing 0.6 mg/L 6-BA and 0.1 mg/L NAA. Roots and leaves regeneration were observed in Viking and 948 respectively.