View/Open - ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal
View/Open - ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal
View/Open - ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Literature review<br />
Young embryos require a medium with high osmotic potential (PIERIK, 1997). A high<br />
osmotic potential prevents precocious development and promotes normal<br />
embryogenic development (REED, 2005). Sucrose is usually added to serve both as<br />
an osmoticum and a carbon source (PIERIK, 1997). A medium with 8 to 12% sucrose<br />
is used for the culture <strong>of</strong> heterotrophic embryos (REED, 2005).<br />
The autotrophic phase is usually initiated in the late heart-shaped embryo stage<br />
(REED, 2005). Embryos that are excised during this development stage are<br />
completely autotrophic (HU & ZANETTINI, 1995). Such embryos germinate and grow<br />
on a simple inorganic medium with a supplemental energy source (HU & ZANETTINI,<br />
1995). An inorganic medium supplemented with 2 to 3% sucrose is used as a<br />
standard medium for the germination <strong>of</strong> autotrophic embryos (REED, 2005).<br />
Growth regulators <strong>of</strong>ten have inconsistent effects on embryo culture (REED, 2005).<br />
They have however been extensively used in embryo rescue protocols, especially<br />
protocols involving heterotrophic embryos (REED, 2005). Low concentrations <strong>of</strong><br />
auxins promote normal growth whereas gibberellins cause embryo enlargement and<br />
cytokinins inhibit growth (REED, 2005).<br />
Hard-coated seeds are first soaked in water for a few hours up to a few days before<br />
dissection. Seeds are surface sterilised before and after soaking (HU & ZANETTINI,<br />
1995). The most suitable point <strong>of</strong> incision into the ovule differs amongst species<br />
(REED, 2005). The embryos <strong>of</strong> some species can be extracted by cutting <strong>of</strong>f the<br />
micropylar end <strong>of</strong> the ovule and applying gentle pressure at the opposite end <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ovule, so that the embryo is pushed through the opening (REED, 2005). Small seeds<br />
are dissected by making a longitudinal section using sterile microdissection needles<br />
(HU & ZANETTINI, 1995)<br />
After excision, large embryos should immediately be transferred into culture vessels,<br />
using a pair <strong>of</strong> forceps (HU & ZANETTINI, 1995; REED, 2005). Small embryos can<br />
be handled using the moistened tip <strong>of</strong> a dissection needle (HU & ZANETTINI, 1995).<br />
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