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In vitro regeneration is a pre-requisite for developing transgenic plants through tissue culture-based genetic engineering approaches. Huge variations among different genotypes of the genus Brassica necessitate the identification of a set of regeneration conditions for a genotype, which can be reliably used in transformation experiments. In this study, we evaluated the morphogenesis potential of four commercial cultivars (Faisal canola, Punjab canola, Aari canola, Nifa Gold) and one model, Westar, from four different explants namely cotyledons, hypocotyls, petioles and roots on three different Brassica regeneration protocols, BRP-I, -II and -III. The regeneration efficiency was observed in the range of 6-73%, 4-79.3%, 0-50.6%, and 0-42.6% from cotyledons, petioles, hypocotyls and roots, respectively, whereas, the regeneration response in terms of average shoots per explant was found to be 0.76-10.9, 0.2-3.2, 0-3.4 and 0-2.7 from these explants. Of the commercial varieties tested, almost all varieties showed poorer regeneration than Westar except Aari canola. In comparison to Westar, its regeneration frequency from cotyledons was up to 7.5-fold higher on BRP-I, while it produced up to 21.9-fold more shoots per explant. Our data show that the explant has strong influence on the regeneration response, ranging from 24% to 92%. While the growth of commercial cultivars was least affected by the regeneration conditions provided, the effect on Westar was twice that of the commercial cultivars. After determining the optimal explant type and regeneration conditions, we also determined the minimum kanamycin concentration levels required to selectively inhibit the growth of untransformed cells for these cultivars. Regenerated shoots of Aari canola could be successfully grown to maturity within 16-18 weeks, with no altered phenotype noted and normal seed yields obtained. Therefore, the commercial variety, Aari canola, could be a good candidate for future genetic transformation studies.

The marine environment provides adaptive conditions for many organisms, such as algae, shellfish, mussels, sponges, corals, and barnacles. There is a range of algae in Pakistan’s coastal waters, but, unfortunately, they are not used and are wasted. Efficient use of a valuable natural resource that can increase the efficiency of agricultural operations. Algae are abundant and easily found in a wet environment, either in seawater or freshwater. The seaweed and its products are extensively used in crops cultivation to enhance production systems due to many plant-growth-promoting compounds. It has been traditionally used for the fertilization of the fields since the ancient world. Some seaweeds and auxins, a plant hormone responsible for the vegetative growth and auxin-like compounds, have been found. Algae and their associated compounds can support the onset of seed germination and plant root growth, which applies to temperature, resistance to abiotic stress, and improves plants’ ability to absorb nutrients.

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