Efficient Embryogenic Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration from Embryonic Axis Explants in Quercus acutissima

Embryogenic callus ofQuercus acutissima was successfully induced from embryogenic cultures, and plants were regenerated from the callus. The development of the techniques involved will allow mass propagation and gene transformation in this species. Embryogenic cultures were formed from embryonic axis explants (i.e., embryos without cotyledons) excised from immature embryos, after culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing indolebutyric acid and benzyladenine. Attempts to induce embryogenic cultures from cotyledon explants were unsuccessful. Embryogenic calli were induced at high frequency from embryogenic cultures on MS medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. However, benzyladenine inhibited embryogenic callus formation. Somatic embryo development from embryogenic calli occurred on MS medium in all of the seven cell lines tested. Germination of somatic embryos was induced on half strength MS medium without plant growth regulators. Finally, acclimated plants growing in soil were obtained.