Culturing peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) zygotic embryos for transformation via microprojectile bombardement

A method for rapidly producing fertile peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants from embryo axes was developed for use with microprojectile bombardment. Using this method, the apical meristem housing the germ line cells was easily exposed for bombardment without compromising the viability of the plant. Germination was rapid on MS based, hormone-free medium containing 2% agar, while medium containing 0.6% agar caused embryo axes to swell and to develop slowly. Representatives from the market classes Virginia, Spanish, and runner all responded well to this procedure, while UPL Pn4 (Valencia) failed to form new leaflets. Microprojectile bombardment did not substantially impair embryo development. This method circumvents chromosomal and developmental abnormalities that could potentially occur with other peanut in vitro culture systems.