Somatic Embryo Development Research Articles

Factors affecting the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in Cattle.

Nuclear transfer is a complex multistep procedure that includes oocyte maturation, cell cycle synchronization of donor cells, enucleation, cell fusion, oocyte activation and embryo culture. Therefore, many factors are believed to contribute to the success of embryo development following nuclear transfer. Numerous attempts to improve cloning efficiency have been conducted since the birth of the first sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, the efficiency of somatic cell cloning has remained low, and applications have been limited. In this review, we discuss some of the factors that affect the developmental ability of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in cattle.

<i>In Vitro</i> Regeneration of <i>Curcuma caesia</i> Plantlets from Basal Part and via Somatic Embryogenesis

Plantlets of Curcuma caesia were produced in vitro from newly sprouting vegetative buds of tubers. Segments of the plantlets from the junction between the root and the basal portion of the stem were subsequently used as explants to investigate factors affecting callus induction and plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis. The explants were placed on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) together with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D) and benzyl aminopurine (BAP) in the presence of light. The growth medium supplemented with 5 mg/L BAP and 2 mg/L 2,4-D promoted callus induction after 70 days of culture. Sub-culturing on the same medium enhanced the production of friable callus. Culture media containing higher concentrations of agar promoted the development of green somatic embryos from the callus. Respond of somatic embryogenesis was most successful with MS medium in 6.0 g/L agar supplemented with 5 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L 2,4-D whereby the callus developed into green somatic embryos with an efficiency of 53%. This culture medium also produced the largest number plantlets.

Embryogenic cultures of lily (Lilium spp.): optimising callus initiation, maintenance, and plantlet regeneration

SummaryTo facilitate genetic improvement in lily (Lilium spp.), the efficiency of regeneration from callus cultures induced from a range of explants was optimised for three important cultivars: Oriental hybrid lily ‘Sorbonne’, Oriental hybrid lily ‘Bernini’, and Oriental × Trumpet hybrid lily ‘Robina’. Filaments, pedicels, styles, ovaries, and anthers were used as explant material to identify and optimise the parameters that influence somatic embryogenesis. The results showed that embryogenic competence was dependent on cultivar, explant type, and developmental stage. The highest numbers of embryogenic cultures were induced from filaments of ‘Sorbonne’ (22.8%), ‘Bernini’ (16.5%), and ‘Robina’ (17.8%). The youngest filaments (developmental Stage I) gave the highest embryogenic response in each genotype, showing a three-to-four-fold increase compared with Stage V explants. Of the three regions of the filament used as explants, only the basal region produced embryogenic cultures. The highest proliferation frequency of embryogenic callus was obtained on 1.0× Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l–1 picloram (PIC; 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) and 60 g l–1 sucrose. These cultures also produced the highest numbers of regenerated plantlets when transferred to plant growth regulator (PGR)-free 1.0× MS medium supplemented with 1.0 g l–1 activated charcoal (AC) and 30 g l–1 sucrose. Histological and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations of the various developmental stages of somatic embryo development showed the four typical stages: globular, heart-shaped, torpedo, and cotyledonary.

Embriogênese somática e morfoanatomia de embriões somáticos de <i>Ocotea porosa</i>

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509812343Ocotea porosa apresenta sementes com forte dormência tegumentar, comportamento recalcitrante, baixa germinação e irregularidade, o que dificulta a propagação natural. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer um protocolo de embriogênese somática para Ocotea porosa. Eixos embrionários zigóticos imaturos foram inoculados em meio de cultura WPM suplementado com 2,4-D (200 μM) combinado ou não com caseína hidrolisada ou glutamina (0,5 ou 1 g l-1) durante 90 dias. A embriogênese repetitiva foi induzida em meio contendo 2,4-D (22,62 μM) combinado com 2-iP (2,46 μM) seguido de transferência para meio de cultura com caseína hidrolisada ou glutamina (1 g l-1), durante 90 dias cada. A maturação dos embriões somáticos foi testada em meio de cultura contendo ANA (0,5 μM) e 2-iP (5, 10 ou 20 μM). A maior porcentagem de embriões somáticos induzidos (8,3%) foi observada em meio de cultura WPM contendo 200 μM de 2,4-D e 1 g l-1 de caseína hidrolisada e o desenvolvimento de embriões somáticos ocorreram de forma indireta. A embriogênese somática repetitiva foi promovida em meio de cultura WPM contendo caseína hidrolisada ou glutamina, no entanto, a caseína hidrolisada promoveu a manutenção da competência embriogênica por mais de dois anos. Na fase de maturação, houve baixa progressão dos embriões globulares para os estádios cordiforme e torpedo. Os diferentes estádios ontogenéticos de embriões somáticos de Ocotea porosa foram caracterizados pelo estudo histológico.

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cotyledonary node's calli of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

The present study describes plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from cotyledonary node callus. Callus cultures were derived from cotyledon node segment excised from Trigonella foenum-graecum L. axenic seedlings grown in agar solidified Murashing and Skoog's(MS) medium supplemented with Benzyl adenine BA at 2.0 mg l-1 and Naphthalene acetic acid NAA at 1.0 mg l-1. These cultures were stimulated to form somatic embryoids at 32% frequency of in agar-solidified MS medium containing NAA at 0.5mg l-1 in the presence of 15% v/v coconut water. Light microscopy examination of sections of heart embryos stage proved the presence of vascular system. Transfer of other developmental stages of embryos to the same induction medium led to the development of secondary somatic embryos and embryoids into plantlets in agar-solidified MS medium lacking hormones. They were readily rooted in MSO and successfully transferred to soil.

Using flow cytometry and cytological analyses to assess the genetic stability of somatic embryo-derived plantlets from embryogenic Musa acuminata Colla (AA) ssp. malaccensis cell suspension cultures

Flow cytometry and chromosome counts were used to analyze the genetic stability of plants regenerated via Musa acuminata Colla (AA) ssp. malaccensis embryogenic cell suspension (ECS) cultures. These cultures were initiated from immature zygotic embryos (IZE) on Murashige and Skoog medium using nine different plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments. Highest percentage of embryogenic calli (EC) formation occurred on media with 4.5 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, 97 %), and 8.2 μM of picloram (Pi, 80 %) followed by 2.2 μM 2,4-D (75 %). Embryonic development was synchronized in liquid medium by filtration, and somatic embryo development was achieved with ECS aliquots overlaid on PGR-free medium. The EC medium composition and elapsed time of both short-term (~5 months old) and long-term (~2 years old) ECS cultures influenced plant regeneration, resulting in 65–99 % embryo germination and 50 to 100 % plant conversion. The mean 2C DNA content (1.23 ± 0.002 pg) and chromosome number (2n = 2x = 22) of M. acuminata ssp. malaccensis IZEs, seedlings and sucker plantlets were similar to the reported values. No significant differences were detected among IZEs before culturing, and none were found among the IZEs and leaves of control plants and the plants regenerated from short-term ECS lines when initiated with 2,4-D or Pi vis-a-vis the accession from which they originated. However, plants regenerated from the long-term ECS-L3 culture remained diploid, had the highest DNA content (2C = 1.283 ± 0.01 pg) and were clearly separate from the other regenerated and control plants.

Dynamics of physiological and biochemical changes during somatic embryogenesis of Acca sellowiana

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana [O. Berg] Burret [Myrtaceae]) is a native fruit species of southern Brazil and northern Uruguay. This species is amenable to somatic embryogenesis and therefore suitable as a model system for comparative studies of zygotic and somatic embryo development. In seed plants, embryogenesis involves three main steps, which are regulated by many factors, such as hormones, proteins, polyamines, and transcription factors. In the present work, the dynamics of protein, sugar, starch, amino acid, and polyamine accumulation were assayed during somatic embryogenesis of A. sellowiana. Protein, starch, amino acid, and polyamine levels accumulated unevenly during the induction phase of somatic embryogenesis, while the sugar content remained stable. Throughout the different developmental stages of somatic embryogenesis, synthesis and accumulation of proteins and amino acids showed patterns similar to those reported previously during the development of zygotic embryos of this same species. Differential patterns of polyamine accumulation were observed. This is important because these compounds affect the synthesis of other endogenous growth regulators, such as auxinindole-3-acetic acid that is mainly involved in the establishment of embryo polarity. Taken together, the present work brings new insights to the physiological and biochemical dynamics that occur during somatic embryogenesis of A. sellowiana.

Effect of melatonin treatment on developmental potential of somatic cell nuclear-transferred mouse oocytesin vitro

The beneficial effect of supplementing culture medium with melatonin has been reported during in vitro embryo development of species such as mouse, bovine and porcine. However, the effect of melatonin on mouse somatic cell nuclear transfer remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the effects of various concentrations of melatonin (10-6 to 10-12 M) on the in vitro development of mouse somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos for 96 h. Embryos cultured without melatonin were used as control. There was no significant difference in cleavage rates between the groups supplemented with melatonin, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and the control. The rate of development to blastocyst stage was significantly higher in the group supplemented with 10-12 M melatonin compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Thus, our data demonstrated that adding melatonin to pre-implantation mouse nuclear-transferred embryos can accelerate blastocyst formation.

Molecular regulation of plant somatic embryogenesis

In vitro embryogenesis is an asexual reproduction process by which embryos are produced from either gametophytic (androecium/gynoecium) or sporophytic (somatic) tissues. Regardless of the type of explant used, the hallmark of this process is that the explant cells undergo dedifferentiation and acquire meristematic identity. The developmental program of such meristematic cells can then be redirected to form somatic embryos, depending on the imposed culture environment. Analysis of proteomes and transcriptomes has led to the molecular identification and functional characterization of many genes involved in the initiation and development of somatic embryos. These genes can be classified into three categories: embryonic induction, embryonic, and maturation. So far, few genes involved in early somatic embryogenesis have been characterized because isolation of early pure embryonic tissue is very difficult. This review focuses on genes regulating the induction process. Furthermore, we employed bioinformatic tools and pathway databases to identify genes that may play roles in regulating early somatic embryogenesis. A total of 51 proteins were identified that may function in early somatic embryogenesis. These proteins are predicted to be involved in hormone signal transduction, chromatin remodeling, cell cycle regulation, cellulose biosynthetic and metabolic activity, GTPase signal transduction, transcription regulation, meristem formation and maintenance, and/or apoptosis and microtubule organization. This review will help advance knowledge and promote research on molecular regulation of early somatic embryogenesis.

The role of chitinases and glucanases in somatic embryogenesis of black pine and hybrid firs

AbstractGlucanase and chitinase enzymes play an important role in different plant processes including defense against pathogens and morphogenesis. Moreover, their role in the processes of somatic embryogenesis has been demonstrated. It has been suggested, that the presence of this type of proteins might be a marker for embryogenic potential of callus cultures. In this work we screened for the presence of glucanases and chitinases in liquid growth media of a set of conifer embryogenic cell lines in order to find correlation with their embryogenic potential. We have found that none of the 12 chitinase isoforms detected in culture media of Pinus nigra Arn. or the nine chitinases detected in media with Abies alba × A. cephalonica and Abies alba × A. numidica embryogenic tissues could be linked to their embryogenic capacity. Similarly, none of the six glucanase isoforms detected in the extracellular fluid of Pinus nigra Arn. cultures can be assigned as a marker of embryogenic potential. Thus, our data indicate the large variability and doubtless importance of glucanases and chitinases for cell growth and development of somatic embryos, however, do not support the premise that they are markers of embryogenesis.

Identification of a PTC-containing DlRan transcript and its differential expression during somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan

RAN (Ras-related nuclear protein) plays crucial roles in multiple cellular processes in yeast, animals and plants. Here we present a DlRan gene and its alternative splicing transcripts containing premature terminator codons (PTCs), identified from embryogenic cultures in longan. Multiple alignment and splicing pattern analyses indicated that DlRan-1 transcript harboring PTC was the consequence of alternative splicing. The accumulation of DlRan PTC-containing transcripts increased significantly when the embryogenic calli were treated with the translation inhibitor, cycloheximide, indicating that DlRan-1 may be targeted by NMD. The analysis of expression profiles of DlRan transcripts revealed that differential expression levels of the alternative spliced DlRan transcripts occurred during the development of embryogenic callus, globular-shaped embryos, and cotyledon-shaped embryos, respectively, in the longan somatic embryogenesis, and were in consistent with the embryo development in corresponding wild-type transcripts. The present work offers evidence to speculate that the alternatively spliced PTC-containing transcripts can be functional and may shed light on expression regulation of DlRan during development of the longan somatic embryos.

CDNA cloning, genomic organization and expression analysis during somatic embryogenesis of the translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) gene from Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis)

A full-length cDNA and genomic sequences of a translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) gene were isolated from Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) and designated LaTCTP. The length of the cDNA was 1043bp and contained a 504bp open reading frame that encodes a predicted protein of 167 amino acids, characterized by two signature sequences of the TCTP protein family. Analysis of the LaTCTP gene structure indicated four introns and five exons, and it is the largest of all currently known TCTP genes in plants. The 5′-flanking promoter region of LaTCTP was cloned using an improved TAIL-PCR technique. In this region we identified many important potential cis-acting elements, such as a Box-W1 (fungal elicitor responsive element), a CAT-box (cis-acting regulatory element related to meristem expression), a CGTCA-motif (cis-acting regulatory element involved in MeJA-responsiveness), a GT1-motif (light responsive element), a Skn-1-motif (cis-acting regulatory element required for endosperm expression) and a TGA-element (auxin-responsive element), suggesting that expression of LaTCTP is highly regulated. Expression analysis demonstrated ubiquitous localization of LaTCTP mRNA in the roots, stems and needles, high mRNA levels in the embryonal-suspensor mass (ESM), browning embryogenic cultures and mature somatic embryos, and low levels of mRNA at day five during somatic embryogenesis. We suggest that LaTCTP might participate in the regulation of somatic embryo development. These results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of LaTCTP and lay the foundation for artificial regulation of somatic embryogenesis.

Sweetpotato plant regeneration via an improved somatic embryogenesis protocol

Genetic transformation holds considerable promise for sweetpotato enhancement, but is limited by the low regeneration efficiency of transformed cells. Somatic embryogenesis is the most efficient method for regenerating genetically transformed sweetpotato plants, but is still limited by low efficiency and strong genotype dependency. In this study, based on a review of previous work, various growth regulators and gelling agents were assessed for an optimized three-stage protocol. Lateral meristems of sweetpotato cultivars ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Jewel’ were used to investigate: (i) the influence of the auxins 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) on the induction of sweetpotato somatic embryogenesis, (ii) the effect of the abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the development and maturation of somatic embryos, (iii) the effect of GA3 on development of mature embryos into plantlets, and (iv) the influence of two gelling agents (agar and Gelrite) on different embryogenic phases during all stages of the protocol. Among the treatments evaluated, best results were obtained when growing the explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1.3mg/l 2,4,5-T (in the dark) during the first stage, transferring the calli to media with 1mg/l ABA at the second stage and then cultivating them on 0.424mg/l GA3 for plant development. However, no significant differences were found between gelling agents.

Expression of the QrCPE gene is associated with the induction and development of oak somatic embryos

Somatic embryogenesis is a powerful tool for plant regeneration and also provides a suitable material for investigating the molecular events that control the induction and development of somatic embryos. This study focuses on expression analysis of the QrCPE gene (which encodes a glycine-rich protein) during the initiation of oak somatic embryos from leaf explants and also during the histodifferentiation of somatic embryos. Northern blot and in situ hybridization were used to determine the specific localisation of QrCPE mRNA. The results showed that the QrCPE gene is developmentally regulated during the histodifferentiation of somatic embryos and that its expression is tissue- and genotype-dependent. QrCPE was strongly expressed in embryogenic cell aggregates and in embryogenic nodular structures originated in leaf explants as well as in the protodermis of somatic embryos from which new embryos are generated by secondary embryogenesis. This suggests a role for the gene during the induction of somatic embryos and in the maintenance of embryogenic competence. The QrCPE gene was highly expressed in actively dividing cells during embryo development, suggesting that it participates in embryo histodifferentiation. The localised expression in the root cap initial cells of cotyledonary somatic embryos and in the root cap of somatic seedlings also suggests that the gene may be involved in the fate of root cap cells.

Proteomic perspective of Quercus suber somatic embryogenesis

Quercus suber L. is a forest tree with remarkable ecological, social and economic value in the southern Europe ecosystems. To circumvent the difficulties of breeding such long-lived species like Q. suber in a conventional fashion, clonal propagation of Q. suber elite trees can be carried out, although this process is sometimes unsuccessful. To help decipher the complex program underlying the development of Q. suber somatic embryos from the first early stage until maturity, a proteomic approach based on DIGE and MALDI-MS has been envisaged. Results highlighted several key processes involved in the three developmental stages (proliferative, cotyledonary and mature) of Q. suber somatic embryogenesis studied. Results show that the proliferation stage is characterized by fermentation as an alternative energy source at the first steps of somatic embryo development, as well as by up-regulation of proteins involved in cell division. In this stage reactive oxygen species play a role in proliferation, while other proteins like CAD and PR5 seem to be implied in embryonic competence. In the transition to the cotyledonary stage diverse ROS detoxification enzymes are activated and reserve products (mainly carbohydrates and proteins) are accumulated, whereas energy production is increased probably to participate in the synthesis of primary metabolites such as amino acids and fatty acids. Finally, in the mature stage ethylene accumulation regulates embryo development. Quercus suber L. is a forest tree with remarkable ecological, social and economic value in the southern Europe ecosystems. To circumvent the difficulties of breeding such long-lived species like Q. suber in a conventional fashion, clonal propagation of Q. suber elite trees can be carried out, although this process is sometimes unsuccessful. To help decipher the complex program underlying the development of Q. suber somatic embryos from the first early stage until maturity, in deep studies become necessary. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Translational Plant Proteomics.

Arabinogalactan-protein and pectin epitopes in relation to an extracellular matrix surface network and somatic embryogenesis and callogenesis in Trifolium nigrescens Viv.

The formation of an extracellular matrix surface network (ECMSN), and associated changes in the distribution of arabinogalactan-protein and pectin epitopes, have been studied during somatic embryogenesis (SE) and callogenesis of Trifolium nigrescens Viv. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed the occurrence of an ECMSN on the surface of cotyledonary-staged somatic embryos as well as on the peripheral, non-regenerating callus cells. The occurrence of six AGP (JIM4, JIM8, JIM13, JIM16, LM2, MAC207) and four pectin (JIM5, JIM7, LM5, LM6) epitopes was analysed during early stages of SE, in cotyledonary-staged somatic embryos and in non-embryogenic callus using monoclonal antibodies. The JIM5 low methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (HG) epitope localized to ECMSN on the callus surface but none of the epitopes studied were found to localize to ECMSN over mature somatic embryos. The LM2 AGP epitope was detected during the development of somatic embryos and was also observed in the cell walls of meristematic cells from which SE was initiated. The pectic epitopes JIM5, JIM7, LM5 and LM6 were temporally regulated during SE. The LM6 arabinan epitope, carried by side chains of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I), was detected predominantly in cells of embryogenic swellings, whilst the LM5 galactan epitope of RG-I was uniformly distributed throughout the ground tissue of cotyledonary-staged embryoids but not detected at the early stages of SE. Differences in the distribution patterns of low and high methyl-esterified HG were detected: low ester HG (JIM5 epitope) was most abundant during the early steps of embryo formation and highly methyl-esterified form of HG (JIM7 epitope) became prevalent during embryoid maturation.

Development of coffee somatic and zygotic embryos to plants differs in the morphological, histochemical and hydration aspects

In Coffea arabica L., the development of direct sowing of somatic embryos (SE) in planting substrate, with subsequent nursery production of plants, has promoted the industrialization of somatic embryogenesis. However, plant conversion rates are still low and require improvements to enhance the cost-effectiveness of commercial micropropagation. With the aim of improving plant regeneration from SE, we studied the morphological and histological criteria and water characteristics during germination and plant conversion of zygotic embryos (ZE) and SE. At the cotyledonary stage, SE produced in a 1 l RITA(®) temporary immersion bioreactor (area 55.8 cm(2)) were morphologically similar in size (2-3 mm) but abnormal as compared with mature ZE. Protein and starch reserve levels were extremely low throughout germination and conversion to plantlets, while the water status remained steady [water content (WC) from 76 to 87%, Ψ from -0.37 to -0.47 MPa, pressure potential from 0.69 to 0.24 MPa]. In ZE, spectacular hydration occurred during the first 3 weeks (WC from 37 to 75%; Ψ from -6.24 to -1.0 MPa). Cotyledons remained undifferentiated for 10 weeks after sowing. Conversely, after only 3 weeks under germination conditions in a RITA(®) bioreactor, spongy and palisade parenchyma and stomata formed in SE cotyledons. The ZE plant conversion was faster than that of SE (14 vs. 22 weeks) and more efficient (rates 96 vs. 55%), with much more substantial hypocotyl and cotyledon development. The use of a new 5 l MATIS(®) bioreactor (area 355 cm(2)), designed especially to favor embryo dispersion and light transmittance to SE, markedly improved the embryo-to-plantlet conversion rate (91%). These results highlight the morphological heterogeneity and lack of protein reserves in SE at the beginning of the germination phase and marked differences in water characteristics. However, they also reveal high phenotypic plasticity, leading to a highly efficient plantlet conversion rate due to better embryo dispersion and light transmittance in more horizontal bioreactors.

Control of Spontaneous Activation of Rat Oocytes by Regulating Plasma Membrane Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Activities

Inhibiting oocyte spontaneous activation (SA) is essential for successful rat cloning by nuclear transfer (NT). This study tested the hypothesis that activities of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) would decrease with oocyte aging and that SA of rat oocytes could be inhibited if the intraoocyte Ca(2+) rises were prevented by activating the NCX through increasing Na(+) concentrations in the culture medium. Elevating Na(+) levels in culture medium by supplementing NaCl inhibited SA of rat oocytes, while maintaining a constant level of maturation-promoting factor and mitogen-activated protein kinase activities. Experiments using the NCX inhibitor bepridil, the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain, and an assay for intraoocyte Ca(2+) concentrations showed that extracellular Na(+) inhibited rat oocyte SA by enhancing NCX activity and preventing intracellular Ca(2+) rises. Immunohistochemical quantification indicated that the density of NCX1 decreased significantly in aged oocytes that were prone to SA compared with that in freshly ovulated oocytes whose SA rates were low during in vitro culture. Cumulus cell NT showed that sham enucleation caused marked SA in freshly ovulated rat oocytes and that Na(+) supplementation prevented the manipulation-induced SA and improved the in vitro and in vivo development of rat somatic cell NT embryos. Taken together, the results have confirmed our hypothesis that the NCX is active in rat oocytes and its activity decreases with oocyte aging and that activating the NCX by increasing extracellular Na(+) inhibits SA of rat oocytes and improves the development of rat somatic cell NT embryos. These data are also important for understanding the mechanisms of oocyte aging.

Morphological and polyamine content changes in embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus of sugarcane

Differences in competence acquisition and subsequent embryo maturation in embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus of sugarcane var. SP79-1011 were evaluated using histomorphological analysis, growth curves, numbers of somatic embryos, and polyamine contents. Embryogenic callus was formed by cells with embryogenic characteristics such as a rounded shape, prominent nuclei, a high nucleus: cytoplasm ratio, small vacuoles and organized globular structures. However, non-embryogenic callus presented dispersed, elongated and vacuolated cells with a low nucleus: cytoplasm ratio; these characteristics did not allow for the development of somatic embryos even upon exposure to a maturation stimulus. These results suggest that non-embryogenic callus does not acquire embryogenic competence during induction and that maturation treatment is not sufficient to promote somatic embryo differentiation. The use of activated charcoal (AC; 1.5 g L−1) resulted in a higher somatic embryo maturation rate in embryogenic callus but did not yield success in non-embryogenic callus. Embryogenic callus incubated with control (10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and maturation (1.5 g L−1 AC) treatments for 28 days showed similar patterns of total free polyamines; these results differed from the results observed with non-embryogenic callus, suggesting that embryogenic callus already exhibits a characteristic pattern of endogenous polyamine levels. At 28 days of culture with maturation treatment, embryogenic callus exhibited significantly higher levels of free Spm than embryogenic callus incubated with control treatment and non-embryogenic callus incubated with both treatments. This result suggests that Spm could be important for the acquisition of embryogenic competence and somatic embryo maturation in sugarcane var. SP79-1011.

Maturation of Anthurium andraeanum cv. Eidibel somatic embryos from nodal segments

Maturation of somatic embryos of Anthurium andraeanum cv. Eidibel from embryogenic callus was evaluated. Following induction of embryogenic calli from nodal segments, tissues were transferred to 125-mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 25 mL liquid medium, with 0, 4.52, or 9.05 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0, 0.47, or 2.32 μM kinetin. Callus cultures were maintained in a dark growth room at 25 ± 2°C. At 45 d, the mass of embryogenic calli, number of primary and secondary somatic embryos, and percentage browning were evaluated. Nonparametric tests were used to evaluate color, texture, and somatic embryo development. The highest yield of somatic embryos was in the medium with 0.47 μM kinetin. Calli were friable, with a lower yield of secondary somatic embryos, and have minimal browning. Histology revealed polar globular somatic embryos and mature somatic embryos with defined apical and root meristematic zones, axillary buds, and primary leaves. These are important features for converting somatic embryos into plantlets.