Synthetic Seeds of Wild Beet: Basic Concepts and Related Methodologies

Abstract

Synthetic seeds are artificially encapsulated propagules that mimic true seeds in agriculture. Although a variety of plant materials, such as shoot tips, axillary buds, callus, micro cuttings, and protocorm-like bodies, are used in the production of synthetic seeds, somatic embryos are the most widely used explants in the production of these seeds. Synthetic seeds compete with traditional approaches to preserve the germplasm of threatened plant species. The resulting progenies are the true clones of the main plant, thus preserving the intactness of the genetic background. Due to poor germination and low seed amount, wild Beta species are exposed to the risk of extinction. Wild relatives of Beta have agronomically important properties such as resistance to diseases and abiotic stresses. Numerous attempts have been made to give these traits to sugar beet crop through conventional breeding methods. Despite the importance of synthetic seed for wild beets, it has not yet been investigated. The production of synthetic seeds ensures the conservation and availability of wild germplasm of the genus Beta for cytogenetic and breeding studies.