Summary
The developmental histology of somatic embryo (=embryoid) formation in cultured immature embryos of hybrid maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) is described. Embryos cultured on media containing 2% sucrose formed distinct globular embryoids. These embryoids arose either directly by divisions confined to the epidermal and the subepidermal cells at the coleorhizal end of the scutellum or from a soft and friable embryogenic callus produced by them. On media containing 6% sucrose divisions were initiated in the cells adjacent to the procambium of the cultured embryos. Subsequently, zones of meristematic cells also were observed in the region of the node and in the basal portion of the scutellum. Mature, well organized somatic embryos as well as a compact nodular type of embryogenic callus were produced as a result of localized meristematic activity along the tip of the scutellum toward the coleorhiza. Some embryos formed only the compact type of callus, and shoot primordia were organized later in the surface layers of this callus.
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Abbreviations
- CH:
-
casein hydrolysate
- MS:
-
Murashige and Skoog's nutrient medium
- 2,4-D:
-
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
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Vasil, V., Lu, CY. & Vasil, I.K. Histology of somatic embryogenesis in cultured immature embryos of maize (Zea mays L.). Protoplasma 127, 1–8 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01273696
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01273696