Callus and cell suspension culture of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Abstract

A solid medium was developed for callus cultures originating from explants of root, hypocotyl, and cotyledon of seedlings of bush bean, and a liquid medium was developed for the growth of cell suspension cultures derived from the callus cultures. Some unsatisfactory media are recorded. Concentrations of mineral salts for cell suspension cultures are lower than for callus cultures. Both coconut milk and other organic substances are required for maximum growth. With cell suspensions the effect of deproteinized coconut milk is the same as that of raw coconut milk but, with callus cultures, deproteinized coconut milk gives greater yield. There are no obvious differences in yield of callus derived from root, hypocotyl, or cotyledon. Few differences in yield were obtained between cell suspension cultures from root, hypocotyl, and cotyledon but those from root gave the highest yield in dry weight. However, in the same medium, cells from the three origins are very similar in form and appearance. Some effects of different media on cell form and clumping are described. The yield in suspension culture is very high. Increase in cell number, fresh weight, and dry weight is about 100-fold in 12 days involving about six to seven divisions per cell.