Development of a regeneration protocol for high frequency somatic embryogenesis from explants of grapevines (Vitis spp.)

Abstract

An efficient regeneration protocol was developed for leaf explants derived from in vitro plantlets of grapevine cv. Seyval blanc. High frequency somatic embryo induction could be obtained on a modified NN69 medium with 20 µM NOA in combination with the synthetic cytokinin TDZ (4 µM). The application of 2.5 mM phenylalanine promoted embryo induction dramatically by reducing the induction period, and by increasing the regeneration rate. Embryos could be induced on almost 80 % of the plated leaf discs, and the regeneration capacity could be maintained for at least two years. Explants of Vitis thunbergii and the interspecific hybrid Chancellor could now be regenerated by the application of the regeneration system elaborated for Seyval blanc.