Arabinogalactan proteins in embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus cultures of Euphorbia pulcherrima

The arabinogalactan protein (AGP) fractions of embryogenic and non-embryoge nic callus lines of Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex. Klotzsch were analysed over a cultivation period of 9 weeks using the beta-glucosyl Yariv reagent and an anti-AGP antibody (LM2). The amount of AGPs detected with the Yariv reagent increased in embryogenic cultures during the development of somati c embryos. The embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus contained different s ets of AGPs characterized with the Yariv reagent and the LM2 monoclonal ant ibody. AGPs recognized by LM2 are localized primarily in the protodermal ce lls of globular somatic embryos. The development of somatic embryos of E. p ulcherrima appears to be associated with the presence of particular AGPs.