Embryogenic calli were derived from cultured segments of immature inflorescences of Pennisetum americanum (pearl millet). The original explants as well as the embryogenic calli and the plants regenerated via somatic embryogenesis were examined cytogenetically. Embryogenic calli were predominantly diploid (2n=14) after one month and six months in culture (92% and 76%, respectively). Tetraploid and aneuploid cells were observed in the original explant (2.5% and 1.2%) as well as in one (4.0% and 4.0%) and six-month-old calli (10.0% and 14.0%). Plants were regenerated from calli that had been in continuous culture for two, four and six months. Of the 101 regenerants, 100 were diploid and 1 was tetraploid. The tetraploid was an albino as were three of the diploid regenerants. Examination of 30 of the regenerants in meiotic diakinesis, anaphase I, anaphase II and quartet stages revealed no cytogenetic differences between control and regenerated plants. Gel electrophoresis for total protein content and alcohol dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activity also did not reveal any differences between the controls and regenerants. The results of this study show that a slight shift toward aneuploidy and polyploidy may occur in embryogenic cultures, but there also is a strong selection in favor of plant regeneration from cytogenetically normal cells.

The effects of various carbon sources on initiation and maintenance of embryogenic callus of maize (Zea mays 1.) and on the regeneration of plants from embryogenic callus were studied. Growth of embryogenic callus tissue on media containing sucrose was typified by the subsequent growth of both embryogenic (regenerable) and nonembryogenic (nonregenerable) callus. Crowth of embryogenic callus on sorbitol was unique among the carbon sources tested in that sorbitol supported the subsequent growth of only embryogenic callus. Further experiments demonstrated that embryogenic callus grown on sorbitol had a greater regenerative capacity (more plants produced per gram fresh weight of callus) than callus grown on sucrose. Sorbitol dehydrogenase was deteded in embryogenic callus of maize at a specific adivity roughly equivalent to that found in zygotic embryos of developing seeds. Nonembryogenic callus did not contain significant levels of sorbitol dehydrogenase activity.

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Immature embryos and immature leaf tissues were used to establish embryogenic cultures of Zea diploperennis. Callus was induced on media containing MS salts and vitamins, sucrose (2% for leaves, 6% for embryos), 5% coconut milk and 1-6 mg/l 2, 4-D. Embryogenic callus was maintained by subculturing on media containing MS salts and vitamins, 2% sucrose, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate and 1 mg/l 2,4-D. Regeneration occurred when the 2,4-D level was reduced to 0.25 mg/l. Kinetin added at 0.25 mg/l further stimulated regeneration. Root tip squashes on 10 plants regenerated after 2 years in culture indicated a normal 2n=20 chromosome number.