Regeneration of Zea mays L. from Embryogenic Callus

Abstract

Regeneration of corn (Zea mays L.) from embryogenic callus of the inbred line A188 was investigated. Immature zygotic embryos cultured on N6 medium in the dark at 25.degree. C produced a friable, embryogenic callus. Maturation of somatic embryos was enhanced by transferring the embryogenic callus after 3 wk to medium containing 6% sucrose and lacking 2,4-D. During the next 1-2 wk, as the somatic embryos developed, the cultures were transferred to light. When appropriately cultured, between 80% and 90% of the zygotic embryo explants produced embryogenic callus and then plants. An average of seven to eight plants was produced from the callus per zygotic embryo; 70%-80% of these plants were phenotypically normal when evaluated at a height of 7-10 cm. Of ca. 100 plants grown to maturity, 90% exhibited a normal phenotype.