Phosphinothricin stimulates somatic embryogenesis in grape (Vitis sp. L.)

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Horticultural Science
• Viticulture

Background:

• Somatic embryogenesis is a key technique for mass propagation of Vitis L. interspecific hybrids.
• Optimizing media components is crucial for maximizing embryo yield and plantlet conversion.
• Phosphinothricin is explored as a potential stimulant for somatic embryo production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal phosphinothricin concentration for embryo production from embryogenic callus of 'Chancellor' Vitis L. hybrid.
• To evaluate the effect of phosphinothricin on subsequent embryo germination and plantlet formation.
• To compare different germination techniques for improving plantlet conversion rates.

Main Methods:

• Embryogenic callus of 'Chancellor' Vitis L. was cultured on media with varying phosphinothricin concentrations (0-10 mg/l).
• Embryo production, germination, and plantlet formation were assessed.
• Three germination techniques (dehydration, Transfergel, chilling) were compared.

Main Results:

• The highest embryo production per plate was achieved at 0.5 mg/l phosphinothricin.
• Phosphinothricin addition did not adversely affect embryo germination or plantlet formation.
• Embryo dehydration and Transfergel methods yielded higher germination rates than chilling.
• Secondary embryo formation from hypocotyls was observed in most germinated embryos.
• Plantlet conversion rates were consistently low across all treatments.

Conclusions:

• Phosphinothricin at 0.5 mg/l effectively stimulates somatic embryo production in 'Chancellor' Vitis L. hybrids.
• While phosphinothricin enhances embryo yield, it does not overcome limitations in plantlet conversion.
• Optimized germination techniques improve embryo germination, but further research is needed to increase plantlet conversion rates.