Pak. J. Bot., 47(1): 189-196, 2015.

ELEMENTAL ANALYSES OF CALLI AND DEVELOPING SOAMATIC EMBRYO OF HYBRID LIRIODENDRON

YAN ZHEN*, JINHUI CHEN, QIN CHEN AND JISEN SHI*

Abstract: Somatic embryogenesis is a complex biological process in which somatic cells transform into an embryonic state. Understanding the mineral nutrition requirements is important to optimize development and growth of somatic embryos. In this study, we used inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy to compare the key elemental profiles of tissues of Liriodendron chinense × Liriodendron tulipifera hybrids during the induction and expression phases of somatic embryogenesis. The maximum levels of Ca, Fe, Mn, and Al were detected on day 9 of embryo development. Phosphate and Zn accumulations peaked at day 13. Sodium content was highest on day 5 and sharply decreased at day 9. Potassium content showed three peaks; on day 5, 13, and 20. Boron was only detected on day 5 during somatic embryogenesis. High levels of Cu were detected on days 5 and 9. The Mg, Ca, K, Mn, Fe, and Al levels were higher in embryogenic callus than in nonembryogenic callus; Cu levels were higher in non-embryogenic callus than in embryogenic callus. Information about the mineral composition of calli provides important background data to improve existing media by adding minerals that favor the induction of embryogenesis and embryo development. This will be useful for clonal propagation of L. chinense ×L. tulipifera hybrids.

Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education,

Nanjing Forestry University, Longpan Road 159, Nanjing, 210037 China;

*Corresponding author e-mail: jshi@njfu.edu.cn; Tel: 86-25-85428948; Fax: 86-25-85428948;