Callus Induction and Rhizogenesis in Lathyrus sativus L.

Abstract

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a leguminous plant distinguished by great resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses that can become a valuable source of protein feed in the nearest future. However, neglected by breeders, it needs the improvement of some disadvantages. Biotechnological techniques, including in vitro culture, are new and modern tools supporting plant breeding. Unfortunately, grass pea belongs to grain legumes that are well-known for their recalcitrance to in vitro manipulation and consequently plant regeneration. The aim of the study was the evaluation of different factors influence on callus induction and proliferation, as well as cell differentiation and organogenesis. Callus culture were initiated from different explants of two Polish cultivars of grasspea on media supplemented with auxin and various cytokinins both on the light and in the dark. The rate of tissue proliferation was significantly increased in both tested cultivars by light. More than 400 mg of tissue from one explant was obtained after 12 weeks of culture. The most intensive increase in callus mass was noted for internode fragments of ‘Krab’ (380 mg/one explant) and root fragments of ‘Derek’ (361 mg/one explant). On the media with the addition of thidiazuron callus tissue grew better (852 mg/one explants) than on the media with zeatin and kinetin (56–164 mg/one explant). Formation of the roots was the only type of organogenesis observed during the study. In ‘Derek’ callus on LP medium rhizogenesis occurred the most frequently (38%). The roots regenerated from this callus was also the most numerous (1.6) and the longest (12.5 mm).