Chromosomal Variations in Immature Embryo-Derived Calli from Six Barley Cultivars

Abstract

Chromosomal aberrations that occur during in vitro culture of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) may affect plant regeneration. This study examined the frequency of plant regeneration from immature embryo-derived callus as affected by genotype and duration of culture and the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in callus cells. Aberrations observed in the six cultivars included primarily tetraploid (2n = 28) and aneuploid cells. Plant regeneration decreased and cytogenetic aberrations increased with culture duration, but relative cytogenetic stability was not related to the ability to regenerate plants.