Cauliflower inflorescence protoplast culture and plant regeneration

Abstract

A yield of 2–4×10⁶ protoplasts/g F.W. could be obtained when fresh cauliflower inflorescence segments were digested with 2% cellulase Onozuka R-10, 1% cellulase RS and 0.4% Macerozyme R-10 in CPW18S for 7 to 10 h. Purified protoplasts were cultured in K8p liquid and agarose medium. Although protoplasts in liquid medium divided earlier than in agarose, protoplast-derived cells in liquid culture could not avoid browning. With agarose culture, sustained division and callus formation could be achieved. After 20 days, calli were transferred onto B5 agar medium with ZT 1.5 mg l^-1, BA 0.5 mg l^-1 and IAA 0.1 mg l^-1 for shoot formation. The frequency of bud formation varied from 56.7% for calli of 1mm in size to 5.6% for 5mm calli. The shoots formed were rooted in B5 medium containing 0.5 mg l^-1 IBA, and the regenerated plants were transplanted to pots and grew normally. It took about two months from protoplasts to the regenerated plants.