In Vitro Culture of Wheat and Genetic Transformation — Retrospect and Prospect

Abstract This review focuses on the improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via tissue and cell culture and its use in gene transfer techniques. Success of the latter critically depends on the ability to regenerate plants from cells or tissues cultured in vitro. Hence, we have devoted attention to the attempts made so far in obtaining regenerants from diverse explants. Although it is known that immature embryos are the best source for initiating morphogenic cultures, basic information related to the process of differentiation can also be gained by studying less responding tissues. The opportunity provided by anther and microspore culture in wheat improvement and the progress made is also presented. To enhance tissue culture responses, identification of chromosomes, gene loci, and genes is of cardinal importance. We have also surveyed the progress made in this regard by conventional but incisive plant-breeding techniques. Gene rearrangements in tissue culture leading to the appearance of somaclonal or ...