Callus formation from Malus x domestica cv. 'Jonathan' protoplasts.

Area of Science:

• Plant biotechnology
• Plant cell culture
• Apple (Malus xdomestica) research

Background:

• Protoplast isolation and culture are crucial for genetic manipulation in plants.
• Developing efficient regeneration protocols for apple cultivars is essential for breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reliable method for isolating and culturing Malus xdomestica cv. 'Jonathan' protoplasts.
• To investigate the potential for regenerating whole plants from these protoplasts.

Main Methods:

• Protoplast isolation from callus and suspension cultures of Malus xdomestica cv. 'Jonathan'.
• Culture of protoplasts using gradual osmoticum reduction and feeder plates.
• Induction of embryo-like structures from protoplast-derived callus using IAA and BA.

Main Results:

• Successful isolation and culture of protoplasts from callus and suspension cells.
• Recovery of protoplast-derived colonies through specific culture conditions.
• Induction of embryo-like structures that developed roots, but failed to regenerate into complete plants.
• Protoplasts isolated from leaves did not divide, and those from stems/petioles could not be isolated.

Conclusions:

• Protoplasts from Malus xdomestica cv. 'Jonathan' callus and suspension cultures can be cultured and induced to form embryo-like structures.
• Complete plant regeneration from these protoplasts remains a challenge.
• Leaf protoplasts are viable for isolation but lack division potential.