Effect of silver nitrate on long-term culture and regeneration of callus from Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Abstract

Incorporation of AgNO3 (1–10 mg1-1) into the culture medium of Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera callus significantly improved growth and allowed long-term callus culture. In the absence of AgNO3, callus died shortly after removal from the hypocotyl explants. Regeneration of shoots from callus on low-hormone medium was also enhanced by AgNO3. Significant differences in shoot production were found between the three genotypes examined. Cv. Aries produced large numbers of shoots even in the absence of AgNO3. Investigation of callus production from the inbred parent lines of cv. Aries indicated that ‘tissue culturability’ may be determined genetically.