Efficient whole plant regeneration of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using thin-cell-layer culture and silver nitrate

A method was designed to optimize rapid and high frequency direct shoot reg eneration (without intermediate callus) of the commercially important commo n bean. Phaseolus vulgaris L., using the transverse thin cell layer (tTCL) method. The pretreatment of seeds with 10 muM TDZ significantly increased b ud regeneration frequency on tTCL. A 2-week culture of tTCLs on 10 muM TDZ followed by a reduction in the TDZ concentration (1 muM) was needed to achi eve optimal bud induction and further development of the neo-formed buds. A n incubation period greater than 2 weeks of tTCLs with 10 muM TDZ concentra tion resulted in inhibitory effects on the development of shoots and roots. Shoot development was enhanced by 10 muM BAP and 10 muM AgNO3 leading to 1 00% well developed shoots. Regenerated plants developed into true-to-type f ertile plants. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All righ ts reserved.