High frequency plant regeneration from zygotic-embryo-derived embryogenic cell suspension cultures of watershield (Brasenia schreberi)

An improved protocol for high frequency plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryo-derived cell suspension cultures of watershield (Brasenia schreberi) was developed. Zygotic embryos formed pale-yellow globular structures and white friable callus at a frequency of 80% when cultured on halfstrength MS medium supplemented with $0.3mg\;l^{-1}$ 2,4-D. However, the frequency of formation of pale-yellow globular structures and white friable callus decreased slightly with increasing concentrations of 2,4-D up to $3mg\;l^{-1}$, where the frequency reached ~50% of the control. Cell suspension cultures from zygotic embryoderived white friable callus were established using half-strength MS medium supplemented with $0.3mg\;l^{-1}$ 2,4-D. Upon plating of cell aggregates on half-strength MS basal medium, approximately 8.3% gave rise to somatic embryos and developed into plantlets. However, the frequency of plantlet development from cell aggregates was sharply increased (by up to 55%) when activated charcoal and zeatin were applied. Regenerated plantlets were successfully transplanted to potting soil and grown to normal plants in a growth chamber. The distinctive feature of this study is the establishment of a high frequency plant regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryo-derived cell suspension cultures of water-shield, which has not been previously reported. The protocol for plant regeneration of watershield through somatic embryogenesis could be useful for the mass propagation and transformation of selected elite lines.