High frequency regeneration of plantlets from the leaf‐bases via somatic embryogenesis and comparison of polypeptide profiles from morphogenic and non‐morphogenic calli in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

High frequency regeneration via somatic embryogenesis was achieved in the leaf-base cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Sonalika) by optimizing the concentration of the hormone, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, and selecting for the appropriate part of the leaf base as explant. It was possible to distinguish compact (morphogenic) and friable (non-morphogenic) calli by the naked eye, after about 60 days of culture on medium enriched with 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid. The fact that the compact calli are morphogenic, while the friable ones are not, was evident from the observation that only the former formed plantlets after transfer to the basal medium. The morphogenic and non-morphogenic cultures showed substantial difference in soluble protein content on a fresh weight basis. A comparison of silver-stained profiles of soluble polypeptides from morphogenic and non-morphogenic calli revealed many polypeptides specifically associated with either type of calli.