Articles
Optimization of in vitro germination and callogenesis in Opuntia ficus-indica for biotechnological applications
Article number
1452_18
Pages
141 – 148
Language
English
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica, as one of the most drought-tolerant plants, thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, where few species can endure.
Its ability to survive in harsh conditions makes it an invaluable resource in ecosystems facing extreme weather challenges.
However, since the introduction of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius opuntiae) in 2014, this crop has faced a serious threat, putting productivity and long-term sustainability at risk.
This study was initiated to produce friable embryogenic callus in O. ficus indica (L.), which may be further applied for genetic transformation.
A first approach, aimed at evaluating the influence of pre-treatment with hydrochloric acid on in vitro germination of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) ‘Dellahia’, found that chemical scarification of the seeds with diluted HCl for 15 min, followed by incubation of the treated seeds in the dark, gave the highest germination percentage (95%). The second concerns the study of the effect of the medium and explant on callogenesis.
Different explants sections of the plant were disinfected and cultured in MS medium.
The experience was set up to evaluate the effect of different auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and picloram) and cytokinin (6-benzylamino purine and kinetin) combinations on callus induction in O. ficus indica explants at different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mg L‑1). The rate of callus formation from different explants was evaluated by determining the percentage of callus induction per explant.
The conducted experiments demonstrate a significant effect of both explant type and hormone combinations chosen.
Friable callus forms were observed across all three explant types with variable frequencies, reaching up to 100% callogenesis.
Its ability to survive in harsh conditions makes it an invaluable resource in ecosystems facing extreme weather challenges.
However, since the introduction of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius opuntiae) in 2014, this crop has faced a serious threat, putting productivity and long-term sustainability at risk.
This study was initiated to produce friable embryogenic callus in O. ficus indica (L.), which may be further applied for genetic transformation.
A first approach, aimed at evaluating the influence of pre-treatment with hydrochloric acid on in vitro germination of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) ‘Dellahia’, found that chemical scarification of the seeds with diluted HCl for 15 min, followed by incubation of the treated seeds in the dark, gave the highest germination percentage (95%). The second concerns the study of the effect of the medium and explant on callogenesis.
Different explants sections of the plant were disinfected and cultured in MS medium.
The experience was set up to evaluate the effect of different auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and picloram) and cytokinin (6-benzylamino purine and kinetin) combinations on callus induction in O. ficus indica explants at different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mg L‑1). The rate of callus formation from different explants was evaluated by determining the percentage of callus induction per explant.
The conducted experiments demonstrate a significant effect of both explant type and hormone combinations chosen.
Friable callus forms were observed across all three explant types with variable frequencies, reaching up to 100% callogenesis.
Authors
O. Bouihate, I. Touaf, I. Bachti, R. El Boullani, K. Lagram, M.A. Serghini, A. El Mousadik, A. El Finti
Keywords
O. ficus indica (L.), in vitro germination, chemical scarification, callogenesis, friable callus
Groups involved
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