Optimizing Embryogenic Callus and Embryo Growth of a Synthetic Seed System for Sweetpotato by Varying Media Nutrient Concentrations

Abstract

Embryogenic callus growth of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] was selectively enhanced by subculture on basal callus proliferation medium modified to contain 15 mm NH4NO3. Embryogenic callus production was doubled on basal callus proliferation medium modified to contain 60 mm K+, while nonembryogenic callus production was reduced 40%. Additions of up to 40 mm NaCl to basal callus proliferation medium did not affect callus proliferation. The development of embryos from calli subculture to embryo production basal medium was unaffected by the KCl or NaCl treatments of the callus proliferation phase. However, embryo production was increased by subculturing callus from callus proliferation medium containing 20 mm NH4+ to embryo production medium containing 10 mm NH4+ Our results demonstrate that changes in mineral nutrition, in addition to growth regulator differences between callus proliferation and embryo production media, are important factors in sweetpotato somatic embryogenesis.