Date Palm Cell and Protoplast Culture

Abstract

This chapter describes the current status of cell and protoplast cultures in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Critically important steps toward plant regeneration from recalcitrant date palm protoplasts have been achieved in the recent past. Callus regeneration was achieved in commercial cvs. Deglet Noor, Takerboucht, Barhee and Zaghloul. The use of feeder layer was the main factor for inducing cell divisions as well as subsequent microcallus and callus formation. Presently, a protoplast-to-plant system has been reported for more than 400 species, of which the family Solanaceae is predominantly represented. In crops like potato, tobacco, brassica, citrus and eggplant seed companies are using protoplast fusion based technology to produce new commercial varieties. In the last decade however, little progress has been made regarding protoplast regeneration from the so-called recalcitrant species which includes date palm. There are certain similarities between some protoplast systems and mammalian stem cells. More collaboration between animal and plant scientists is highly encouraged, which would be useful for both parties to help address these challenges.

Date Palm Status and Perspective in Algeria

“…Recently, signifi cant results have been achieved in the production of date palm protoplasts; however, plant regeneration from protoplast-induced callus remains limited and requires further research (Assani et al 2011 ;Chabane et al 2007Chabane et al , 2010. Protoplast fusion made between the sensitive variety Deglet Noor and resistant variety Taqerbucht has not yet resulted in mass production of somatic hybrids.…”

In vitro selection of abiotic stress tolerant date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.): A review

“…To augment traditional breeding techniques, biotechnology is an innovative approach for date palm improvement (Jain, 2012). So far, various biotechnological techniques have already been used including induced embryo rescue (Sudhersan and Al-Shayji, 2011) in vitro mutagenesis and selection against bayoud disease (Jain, 2006(Jain, , 2007El Hadrami et al, 2005, 2011a, and protoplast culture (Chabane et al, 2007;Rizkalla et al, 2007;Assani et al, 2011). Protoplasts are used for the production of somatic hybrids, and genetic transformation (Saker et al, 2007(Saker et al, , 2009Mousavi et al, 2009;Saker, 2011).…”