MICROCALLUS FORMATION FROM LEAF MESOPHYLL PROTOPLASTS IN THE GENUS ACTINIDIA LINDL

Microcallus (more than 60 cells) formation was obtained from leaf meso phyll protoplasts of 6 species and varieties in the genus Actinidia Li ndl. (kiwifruit). The best results were achieved by using liquid over agarose culture for A. arguta var, arguta, liquid and agarose disc typ e culture for A. arguta var, purpurea, agarose disc type culture for A . arguta cv. Issai and A. deliciosa and liquid agarose bead type- and disc type culture for A. kolomikta and A. polygama. Several factors in fluencing purification, browning, survival and sustained division of t he protoplasts are briefly discussed.