Plant regeneration from Carica protoplasts

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Somatic Embryogenesis
• Plant Cell Culture

Background:

• Carica papaya x C. cauliflora somatic embryos offer high regenerability.
• Protoplast isolation is a key technique for genetic manipulation and propagation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an efficient method for protoplast isolation and regeneration in Carica papaya x C. cauliflora.
• To investigate the direct embryogenesis potential of isolated protoplasts.

Main Methods:

• Protoplast isolation from rapidly proliferating somatic embryos of Carica papaya x C. cauliflora.
• Culture of isolated protoplasts in KM8P-S medium followed by plating on solidified agarose medium.
• Induction of direct somatic embryogenesis using modified MS medium with abscisic acid (ABA).
• Regeneration of plantlets from somatic embryos and subsequent transplantation to soil.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average protoplast yield of 1.5×10^6 cells/g fresh weight.
• Demonstrated direct somatic embryogenesis from 1.4% of isolated protoplasts.
• Successfully regenerated plantlets from protoplast-derived somatic embryos.

Conclusions:

• Protoplast culture provides a viable route for efficient regeneration of Carica papaya x C. cauliflora.
• Direct embryogenesis from protoplasts is a feasible method for rapid propagation.
• The established protocol facilitates further research in papaya breeding and genetic improvement.