Plant regeneration from protoplasts isolated from callus ofGentiana crassicaulis

Fast growing calli induced from hypocotyl segments ofGentiana crassicaulis were used for preparation of protoplasts. High yields of viable protoplasts were produced in an enzyme solution containing 1-2% cellulase, I% pecfinase, and 0.5% Hemicellulase. Protoplasts were cultured in KM8P medium containing 1 mg/l 2,4-D, 0.5 mg/l 6BA, 500 mg/l LH, 0.5 M glucose and 0.1 M mannitol by the solid-liquid dual layer culture method. First division occurred within 4-5 days of culture at a frequency of 17.8%. Sustained divisions led to callus formation. Periodically diluting the cultures with freshly prepared liquid medium containing 1% glucose was critical for colony formation. Protocolonies about 2 mm in size were transferred onto MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/l ZT, 2 mg/l 6BA, 1 mg/l GA3, 1 mg/l NAA and 6% sucrose to obtain embryogenic calli. Plantlets were regenerated via somatic embryogenesis at high frequency on hormone-free MS Medium.