Induction of embryogenesis from isolated apple microspores

We report, for the first time, the induction of embryogenesis and plant for mation from isolated apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) microspores in vitro. D ifferent isolation techniques were tested and an optimized protocol was ela borated. Furthermore, the influence of the induction medium and starvation treatment, using different starvation material, temperatures and time, were studied. In addition to embryo induction, the number of multicellular stru ctures per divided microspores was found to be a suitable parameter of asse ssment and could be used in earlier stages during microspore culture. Altho ugh the number of embryos induced in these first experiments is low, the be st frequency of embryo induction was shown to be at least twice as efficien t as that obtained by anther culture.