Interactions between genotypes and culture media components for improved in vitro response of rye (Secale cereale L.) inbred lines

Abstract.

Rye is one of the most recalcitrant species in tissue culture. A multi-factorial experimental design allowed the development of genotype-specific tissue culture protocols, maximising the plant regeneration response from rye tissue culture. Precocious germination of explants, callus induction and callus maintenance (formation of rhizogenic and caulogenic callus) as well as regeneration response (percentage of regenerating calli and number of regenerated plants per callus) were significantly influenced by genotype, carbohydrate and auxin sources and their respective concentrations and interactions. Genotypes differed in the callus response to media sterilisation procedure, basic salt composition, gelling agent, CuSO₄ complementation and illumination. These genotype-specific culture protocols will enable the development of efficient genetic transformation protocols for rye.