Establishment of embryogenic suspension cultures of Pinus radiata Don: research note

The development of embryonal suspensor mass (ESM) from immature embryos of Pinus radiata on a solidified growth medium containing 0, 5 mgl -1 benzyladenine, 3, 0 mgl -1 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 500 mgl -1 casein hydrolysate and 250 mgl -1 L-glutamine was used as inoculum to establish cell suspension cultures. Regular transplants of the ESM established on the solidified medium onto a hormone-free medium ensured sustainable growth and hence a source of ESM. Conditions for optimal growth in liquid media were investigated. The cell suspension turbidity was measured and used as a growth parameter. Optimal growth and normal embryo development were obtained in a liquid medium containing maltose as the carbohydrate source at a concentration of 3% (m/v) and supplemented with 0, 5 mgl -1 2, 4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The results obtained from this study present an opportunity for large-scale propagation of Pinus radiata . Southern African Forestry Journal No.194 2002: 53-5