Zygotic Embryo Culture: An Overview

Abstract

Zygotic embryo culture has proven itself an invaluable method in plant science for both pure and applied research. The composition of medium used to sustain embryos is a key to successful culture. Optimal composition of the medium changes during embryonic development; generally, the younger the embryo, the more complex is its nutritional requirements. Feeder cell and "double medium" culture methods have been developed to improve the survival of zygotes and proembryos in vitro. In this chapter, we discuss the nutritional requirements of cultured embryos and the importance of the osmotic environment for nurturing young embryos. Specific methodological adaptations used in the culture of Capsella are outlined to demonstrate how standard protocols can be manipulated to suit one's needs.

Orchid protocorm‐like bodies are somatic embryos

“…The failure to continue to accumulate storage products within PLBs is most likely a result of the in vitro culture environment. In zygotic embryos, once the body plan is established, the zygotic embryo can be easily cultured; precocious germination soon follows, bypassing the storage product synthesis phase of embryo development (Yeung and Sussex, 1979; Haslem and Yeung, 2011). It is no surprise to see that once PLB development is initiated, in the absence of developmental arrest, the small globular cell clusters will develop rapidly into PLBs bypassing storage production biosynthesis.…”

Protocol for Rescuing Young Cassava Embryos

“…This technique nurtures the immature or weak embryo, thus allowing it to survive. ER techniques have many significant applications in plant breeding, as well as basic studies in physiology and biochemistry (Collins and Grosser, 1984;Ramming, 1990;Bridgen, 1994;Sharma et al, 1996;Haslam and Yeung, 2011). Zygotic embryos have been successfully rescued, at younger (promebryos) or older (mature embryos) stages of development.…”

“…Zygotic embryos have been successfully rescued, at younger (promebryos) or older (mature embryos) stages of development. The technology has been used in about 100 different species from both temperate and tropical climates, comprising crops, fruit, and forest trees as well as wild species (Haslam and Yeung, 2011).…”

“…The two most important aspects of zygotic embryo culture are: (1) the composition of the culture medium, and (2) the excision of the embryo to be cultured (Haslam and Yeung, 2011). However, prior to culturing, it is important to define the target developmental stage of the embryos, which depends on the aim of the study.…”

Protocol for development of zygotic embryos in vitro and acclimatization of Dragon’s Blood plantlets

“…The culture in vitro of zygotic embryos is one of the main strategies for multiplication, domestication and preservation of germplasm in plant species, as a result of the embryo's juvenile nature and regenerative potential (Hu & Ferreira, 1998). Apart from reducing the time required for the attainment of new healthy specimens, it guarantees elevated development of in vitro embryos (Ebert et al, 2014) and allows for studies related to the embryo's physiology (Haslam & Yeung, 2011).…”