Adventive plants from ovules and nucelli in Citrus

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Horticultural Science
• Citrus Research

Background:

• In vitro culture of Citrus ovules and nucelli is crucial for understanding early developmental stages.
• Previous studies have explored Citrus regeneration, but optimizing conditions for pre-embryonic stages remains key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro culture of Citrus ovules and nucelli from different cultivars.
• To determine the effects of plant growth regulators on embryoid and whole plant development.

Main Methods:

• Ovules and nucelli from Citrus sinensis (Shamouti, Valencia) and Citrus paradisi (Marsh Seedless) were cultured in vitro.
• Murashige and Tucker medium supplemented with malt extract was used for embryoid formation.
• Kinetin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), coconut milk, and gibberellic acid (GA3) were tested for plantlet development.

Main Results:

• Embryoids formed on medium with malt extract; whole plants developed with added growth regulators.
• Kinetin/IAA ratio and coconut milk influenced stem elongation versus root formation.
• Gibberellic acid (GA3) promoted both rooting and stem elongation.

Conclusions:

• Successful in vitro regeneration of Citrus plants from ovule and nucellus explants was achieved.
• Plant growth regulators can be manipulated to control root and shoot development in Citrus cultures.
• These findings support the use of pre-embryonic stages for Citrus mutation breeding research.