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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #126516
Title: IN VITRO FACTORS DURING OVULE CULTURE AFFECT DEVELOPMENT AND CONVERSION OF IMMATURE PEACH AND NECTARINE EMBRYOS.

Author
item Ramming, David
item Emershad, Richard
item FOSTER, CAROL - GRAD STUDENT, CSUF

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/27/2003
Publication Date: 6/1/2003
Citation: Ramming, D.W., Emershad, R. L., Foster, C. In vitro factors during ovule culture affect development and conversion of immature peach and nectarine embryos. HortScience. 2003. v. 38(3). p. 424-428.

Interpretive Summary: The fruit industry needs early-ripening peach and nectarine varieties, but the development of early varieties is hampered by embryo abortion. Although embryo rescue techniques can be used for breeding, small embryos less than 1 mm long are difficult to rescue with current techniques. Enhancement of the development of these embryos were obtained with proper orientation, type of media, and culture vessels. The information will accelerate the breeding and development of new and improved earlier- ripening peach and nectarine varieties for the industry.

Technical Abstract: Various in vitro parameters for culture of immature embryos of peach and nectarine were investigated. Culture vessels consisting of test tubes (TT), Petri dishes (PD), and polycarbonate jars (PJ) were tested along with various types of support and nutrient media. Agar support was superior to liquid media with filter paper supports. the best ovule orientation and support was with the micropyle down and pushed 1/2 way into an agar-gelled medium. The PD only allowed the ovule to be inserted 1/4 way into the medium and was less successful than the TT and PJ. Activated charcoal (AC) also had a slight beneficial affect. The addition of an agar-gelled medium to culture vessels reduces preparation time, and placing each ovule within a TT eliminates cross contamination, making immature embryo culture more successful.