Antioxidant properties of various solvent extracts of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves

In vitro manipulation and propagation of medicinal plants

The broad applications of somatic embryogenesis, both in basic and applied research, have stimulated studies on the determination of in vitro conditions for the induction of somatic embryos and their conversion into plants. As a result, efficient protocols on SE induction and plant regeneration have recently become available for many plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., a model plant in genetics and embryogenesis. Studies on factors controlling in vitro plant morphogenesis are highly desirable not only for the development of improved regeneration systems, but also for the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying plant embryogenesis. This review focuses on the conditions influencing the induction of embryogenic potential in in vitro cultured plant cells. The roles of explant type, endo- and exogenous plant growth regulators and stress factors in the induction of somatic embryogenesis are especially emphasized. Possible mechanisms by which different factors induce or modify embryogenic competence in cultured plant cells are also discussed. Since the production of genetically solid and true-to-type plants is desired, especially for transformation and micropropagation practice, the problem of the genetic characteristics of regenerants, in terms of their chimerism and somaclonal variation, is discussed in some detail. Special consideration is given to A. thaliana– a major model plant species for classical genetics and genomics. Recent availability of efficient embryogenic cultures in this organism makes it possible to benefit from advanced genomic research of Arabidopsis to study plant embryogenesis on the molecular level.

Factors influencing somatic embryogenesis induction and plant regeneration with particular reference to Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh

Bioactive compounds in banana and their associated health benefits – A review

Somatic embryogenesis is the formation of an embryo from a cell other than a gamete or the product of gametic fusion This is not an artificial phenomenon, and is known in nature as a form of apomixis called adventitious embryony, first described by Strasburger in 1878 [1] (see Sharma and Thorpe, this volume) Although Steward [2] and Reinert [3] are generally given credit for the first descriptions of somatic embryogenesis in 1958, such credit might more properly belong to Levine [4], who in 1947 reported the recovery of carrot “seedlings” from tissues exposed to low levels of α-naphthaleneacetic acid, via a process whose description sounds very much like somatic embryogenesis

Morphogenic Aspects of Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryos of sandalwood (Santalum album) were encapsulated in an alginate matrix to prepare ‘Synthetic seeds’. Encapsulated single embryos germinated to form plants with roots and shoots. Embryogenic cell suspensions encapsulated and stored at 4°C for 45 days produced embryos when recultured as suspensions.

Sandalwood plantlets from 'Synthetic seeds'.

Axillary buds of mulberry (Morus indica L) were encapsulated in alginate and agar to produce individual beads. The beads could be stored at 4°C for 45 days without loss of viability. Amongst the encapsulating agents tested, sodium alginate was found to be a better matrix. Encapsulated buds regenerated complete plantlets on an appropriate medium. This technique would provide an easy and novel propagation system for the elite as well as difficult-to-root species of mulberry.

Propagation of Morus indica L. (Mulberry) by encapsulated shoot buds

Plants were regenerated from encapsulated shoot tips of banana. Shoot tips (ca 4 mm) isolated from multiple shoot cultures of banana cv. Basrai were encapsulated in 3% sodium alginate containing different gel matrices. The encapsulated shoot tips regenerated in vitro on different substrates. Use of White's medium resulted in 100% conversion of encapsulated shoot tips into plantlets. The plantlets were successfully established in soil.

Propagation of banana through encapsulated shoot tips.

Stem segments, axillary buds and leaves excised from established shoot cultures of Morus indica were soaked in MS liquid medium containing benzyladenine (0.5, 1, 2 mg/1) and were cultured subsequently on semi solid medium of the same composition. Numerous shoot buds differentiated from leaf and axillary buds but stem segments were unresponsive. The shoot buds on isolation and culture developed into plantlets. Callus tissues which developed at the base of the leaf explant upon subculture also differentiated numerous shoot buds.

P. S. Rao

Papers

Sandalwood plantlets from 'Synthetic seeds'.

Propagation of Morus indica L. (Mulberry) by encapsulated shoot buds

Propagation of banana through encapsulated shoot tips.

Regeneration of plants from the culture of leaves and axillary buds in mulberry (Morus indica L.).

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from male flower buds in banana