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Somatic embryogenesis in Solanum tuberosum L.: a histological examination of key developmental stages

  • Cell Biology and Morphogenesis
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Abstract

A potential novel method of producing high-quality potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) nuclear seeds is through the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE). Somatic embryo formation has been successfully reported in many plant species, but in potato, reliable SE systems are still at the experimental stage. A key factor in the success of any SE system is the ability to discriminate SE-specific cellular structures from those emerging through an organogenic route. In the investigation reported here we attempted to discriminate the progression of specific stages of potato SE by histological means. Internodal segment (INS) explants from 4- to 6-week-old cv. Desiree in vitro cultures were successively cultured on SE induction (for 2 weeks) and expression/regeneration media (for 3 weeks) with and without 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (5 μM). Microscopic examination of histological slides prepared using INS explants at different stages revealed the presence of characteristic globular, heart and torpedo stages in the potato SE system along with other associated unique features such as protoderm development and discrete vascular connections. These results confirm the occurrence of potato SE as per the accepted definition of the term.

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Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3a–i Fig. 4

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Abbreviations

2,4-D:

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

ELS:

Embryo-like structure(s)

INS:

Internodal segment(s)

PEM:

Proembryo mass

SE:

Somatic embryogenesis

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Acknowledgements

SKS is grateful to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK for his Commonwealth Scholarship Award. The authors thank Drs. B. Williamson and Trudi Gillespie (SCRI) and Ms. Fiona Hunter (Pathology Laboratory, National Hospitals Trust, Ninewells, Dundee). SCRI is supported by a grant-in-aid from the Scottish Executive Environment & Rural Affair Department (SEERAD).

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  1. Gene Expression, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK

    Sanjeev Kumar Sharma & Steve Millam

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  1. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma
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  2. Steve Millam
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Correspondence to Steve Millam.

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Communicated by W. Harwood

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Sharma, S.K., Millam, S. Somatic embryogenesis in Solanum tuberosum L.: a histological examination of key developmental stages. Plant Cell Rep 23, 115–119 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-004-0814-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-004-0814-y

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