Fusion of Plant Protoplasts by Electric Fields

Abstract

The electrical fusion technique of Zimmermann and Scheurich was used to fuse mesophyll protoplasts of Avena sativa, Zea mays, Vigna aconitifolia, Petunia axillaris and Amaranthus cruentus. Electrical fusion was a simple, effective and general fusion technique that could be controlled to form either dikaryons or large multinucleate fusion bodies. Vigna mesophyll protoplasts that are subjected to the electrical fields used in this technique were viable in culture. The construction of the fusion chambers, necessary electrical equipment, and the fusion protocol are described in sufficient detail for reproduction of the technique.