Optimization of protoplast fusion parameters is a prerequisite for the establishment of somatic fusion technology for banana breeding. In the present investigations, we compared the most frequently used fusion methods: the electrofusion technique and chemical procedure (polyethylene glycol). With regard to frequency of binary fusion, protoplast fusion with the fusogen polyethylene glycol was best. Conversely, electric fusion was found to be better with respect to mitotic activities, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration rate.

We report here for the first time callus formation from protoplasts in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Protoplasts were isolated from young leaves of offshoots and embryogenic calli in Deglet nour and Takerboucht genotypes. The protoplast yield depended on genotype, donor plant material, mixture of enzyme solution, and incubation time. With regard to the donor material, the best response was obtained with callus. Cell division was induced in both liquid culture and nurse culture. The best donor material for cell division was callus and the best response was obtained with the feeder layer, which induced a division rate of 30% in Deglet nour and 15% in Takerboucht genotypes. The dividing cells developed to microcalli on the feeder layer; the microcalli developed to calli on modified MS medium; however, the calli failed to regenerate into roots or shoots.

One important limitation for routine production of somatic hybrids in banana (Musa spp.) is the difficulty in protoplast regeneration. To facilitate protoplast regeneration in banana, the crucial step of microcallus production was optimised for the following parameters: nurse culture medium, duration of microcalli on nurse culture, differing nurse cells, and filter composition. A comparative study between two nurse cell media, Ma 2 and PCM, significantly affected the number of microcalli produced, which was 90 Â 10 3 per Petri dish on Ma 2 with 0.5 lM zeatin and 9.0 lM 2,4 D, and 30 Â 10 3 per Petri dish on PCM. Moreover, continuous production of microcalli was achieved on Ma 2 and the frequency of embryogenic cell aggregates was higher among microcalli on Ma 2 -medium. However, no cell division was observed in protoplasts cultured on Ma 2 in which nurse cells were maintained for 2 weeks suggesting a requirement of effective presence of nurse cells for cell division of banana protoplasts. Use of a filter in conjugation with nurse cells resulted in greater than 7-fold increase in the number of microcalli. Flow cytometry analysis of 124 protoplast-derived plants showed the presence of hexaploid plants (mother plant is triploid) at the frequency of 4%. Together, these data are indicative of the complex factors involved in the regulation of plant cell division and growth. Each individual aspect must be optimised for efficient protocol development.

Background: The Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) is known for its traditional medicinal properties across the history of native population in Algerian Sahara. There is a large trend of consumption of date palm pollen preparations in many human infertility cases in our country. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. There has been no direct scientific research on this application. This study was undertaken to identify cultivars with greater potential in the traditional medicine uses. To evaluate the effects of date palm pollen on some sexual behavioural parameters of male adult rats, we tested the role of pollen powder from Deglet Nour cultivar on some male reproductive parameters. Materials and Methods: An Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 17 oases in southern Algeria to identify all cultivars with medicinal interest. Local people were interviewed with open questions. A questionnaire and personal interviews for data collection were designed to record important cultivars, parts used and preparations. To determine the active constituents of date palm pollen used in traditional medicine, a phytochemical screening was performed. The effects of oral administration of date palm pollen suspension on male adult rats were investigated on body and testicle weights, serum testosterone level. Results: 131 prominent cultivars were found within 12 cultivars containing various parts with medicinal effects. Some primary and secondary metabolites were detected by phytochemical screening. The pollen increased the weight of the body, testicles and enhanced the serum testosterone level of male rats treated. Conclusion:The present survey has provided the identification and recognition of date palm cultivars used in traditional Saharan medicine. Date palm pollen could improve sexual activities in male infertility cases and may be attempted to derive drugs.

Background: Marrubium deserti de Noé, which is locally known as "Merriouet saharaui", is widely used in Algeria as a traditional treatment of many ailments. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity of the aqueous infusion extract from aerial parts of Marrubium deserti were investigated. Meanwhile, acute oral toxicity of M. deserti, as well as its anti-inflammatory activity is reported for the first time. Materials and Method:The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenin-induced paw oedema in mice at three different doses (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg body weight. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's t-test. Results: The aqueous infusion extract (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg body weight, orally administered, n=6) showed a significant (P<0.05) inhibition of carrageenin-induced mice paw oedema by 11.22, 20.73 and 44.03% respectively in the third hour when compared to the control group. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 50mg/kg) as the positive control showed 32.08% inhibition. The oral LD50 values in mice were found to be greater than 2000mg/kg. The relatively high oral median lethal dose (>2000mg/kg) suggests that the aqueous infusion extract has a relatively low acute toxicity when taken orally for a single dose. Conclusions:The present study indicates that M. deserti has a significant anti-inflammatory effect and confirms its traditional use as a treatment of pain, yet it suggests further investigations to be carried out to determine the active chemical constituents.