Callus induction and maintenance of Zea mays kernels

Abstract

Totipotent tissue cultures of maize (Zea mays L.) have previously been initiated from various explant tissues. In this paper, we present an alternative source of callus induction. A callus of maize (G 204 hybrid) was obtained from intact kernels grown on Linsmair and Skoog RM medium supplemented with 20 mg 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) per litre. The callus growth was greatest from the first node of the seedling shoot. Occasionally, callus growth was observed from the radicle and coleopticle regions. The callus was easily transferred and maintained on a medium with 2 mg/L 2,4-D. This callus formed numerous roots and leaf-like structures when grown on a medium containing 800 mg/L yeast extract, 30 g/L sucrose and 10 g/L agar.