Symmetric Protoplast Fusion in Interserial Syringa (Oleaceae) Hybridization

Few other woody plants embody the preeminence of temperate woody plants in garden cultivation like the lilacs. In spite of their relationship, the trees lack the diversity of cultivated floral forms observed within the shrub lineages. Typical selection and cross-pollination schemes within the tree lilacs or between trees and shrubs have failed to yield the diversity of colors and fragrances on a tree form. With somatic fusion in Citrus spp. as a guideline for Syringa spp. protoplast isolation and culture, experiments were designed to optimize the conditions through somatic fusion. Protoplast isolation experiments revealed yield increases with increased exposure to cell wall degrading enzymes as well as losses in viability with increased exposure. Electrofusion experiments yielded somatic hybrids, yet further investigation is necessary to optimize the fusion electroporation settings and beyond