Plant Regeneration and Recovery of Fertile Plants from Protoplasts of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Abstract

We report plant regeneration from maize (Zea mays L.) protoplasts with recovery of fertile plants from a Cateto inbred line adapted to tropical regions. Protoplasts were isolated from embryogenic cell suspension cultures capable of regenerating fertile plants. Cell colonies and embryogenic calli were obtained at high frequencies when protoplasts were cultured either in a thin layer of liquid medium or on cellulose-nitrate filters placed on a feeder layer of maize cells. High plating efficiencies were obtained with both culture methods using either a modified KM-8p or a modified N6 culture media. The results confirmed that maize protoplasts maintain the regeneration capacity of donor cells. We also demonstrated that high plating efficiencies and plant regeneration from maize protoplasts can be achieved with different culture methods. Furthermore, we recovered fertile plants with viable progenies from maize protoplasts.