Asymmetric protoplast fusion between sweet potato and its relatives, and plant regeneration

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to asymmetrically fuse protoplasts from sweet potato (Zpomoea batatas L. Lam.) and its wild relatives I. trijida Don. and I. lacunosa L. Protoplasts of sweet potato were treated with iodoacetamide, whereas those of I. trifida Don. and I. lacunosa L. were irradiated with X-rays. The asymmetric protoplast fusion was carried out by the electrofusion method and by polyethylene glycol treatment. Electrically-fused protoplasts initiated cell division, and then formed calli earlier than the polyethylene glycol-fused protoplasts. Plant regeneration occurred only in electrofused calli, suggesting that polyethylene glycol had some toxic effect on plant regeneration ability. Analysis of peroxidase isozymes confirmed the interspecific hybrid characteristics of both the fusion-derived calli and regenerated plants.

Regeneration from Storage Root Disk Culture of Purple Sweet Potato

“…Only little work has been achieved, particularly the exploitation of somaclonal variation (Sihachakr et al, 1997), somatic hybridization (Belarmino et al, 1996) and genetic transformation (Otani et al, 2003). Plant genetic transformation and gene cloning are becoming important tools in crop improvement.…”

Effect of genotype, gelling agent, and auxin on the induction of somatic embryogenesis in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.)

“…Despite the economic importance of sweet potato, biotechnological applications are still in their infancy. Only little work has been achieved, particularly the exploitation of somaclonal variation [1], somatic hybridization [6] and genetic transformation [7]. One of the main difficulties is the control of plant regeneration, for which sweet potato is considered a recalcitrant species [8].…”