Optimization of Callus Induction Medium for Schisandga chinensis Baill via Uniform Design

[Objective]This study was to optimize callus induction medium for Schisandga chinensis Baill.[Method]Using callus induction rate as an indicator,uniform design was employed to optimize hormone combination at poly-factors and poly-levels for callus induction from Schisandga chinensis Baill.[Results]Optimal hormone combinations depended on different explants：optimum medium for both tender leaf and petiole was MS ＋3 mg/L 6-BA,for stem segment was MS ＋3 mg/L 6-BA ＋0.6 mg/L NAA.[Conclusion]Uniform design is a time-saving and convenient method for the optimum medium for callus and yields a higher callus induction rate.

Genotypic Assessment by RAPD Markers and Ultrastructural Characteristics of a NaCI-Tolerant Potato Cell Line

Salinity is a serious threat to agricultural production. Potato （Solanum tuberosum） is an important food crop characterised for having low to moderate salinity tolerance. Tissue cultures may be relevant to improve salt tolerance in potato through selection of salt-tolerant cell lines and subsequent regeneration of plants. In this work, the authors used the random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） markers to investigate the occurrence of genetic polymorphism in a potato calli line tolerant to 150 mM NaCI. Out of 40 primers screened, eight generated polymorphic patterns that distinguished salt-tolerant line from the control. Although the macroscopic appearance was similar in both lines, ultrastructural study revealed alterations in salt-grown cells. These showed that plastids less differentiated with a lower number of grana had more and larger starch grains than control cells. In conclusion, RAPD analysis revealed that NaCl-adapted line is a somaclonal variant and the ultrastructural study showed changes essentially at the plastids.

Effects of CeCl_3 and LaCl_3 on callus and root induction and the physical response of tobacco tissue culture

La3＋ and Ce3＋ have positive effects on plant growth and production. Although it is well known that rare earth elements promote cell growth. The biological effects of La^（3＋） and Ce^（3＋） on callus, shoot and root induction in tobacco are still unclear. The relationships among callus induction, rooting, enzyme activities and stomatal characteristics in tobacco are unknown. The objectives of this study were to identify the relationships between the induction of calluses, shoots, roots, stomata and enzyme activities. The induction percentages of calluses, buds, roots were recorded at 5,10,15, 20 and 25 days after La^（3＋） and Ce^（3＋） treatments. Peroxidase isoenzyme activity was determined by electrophoresis. The characteristics of the stomata were observed under an optical microscope. Our results show that low concentrations of Ce^（3＋）（〈15 mg/L） result in increases in the induction percentages of calluses,buds and roots, but La^（3＋）（〉5 mg/L） inhibits the induction of calluses, buds and roots. There are more peroxidase isoenzyme bands in Ce^（3＋） treatments than in La^（3＋） treatments. This is consistent with the induction percentages of calluses,buds and roots in Ce^（3＋） and La^（3＋） treatments. High enzyme activities may promote the induction of calluses, buds and roots. The stomata area and stomata number of leaves are significantly different between La^（3＋） treatments and Ce^（3＋） treatments. La^（3＋） improves the stomata area and number. Based on these results, we speculate that La^（3＋） may promote the development of the photosynthetic system. Ce^（3＋）may promote tobacco growth and rooting by improving enzyme activities.

Polarity, Continuity, and Alignment in Plant Vascular Strands

Plant vascular cells are joined end to end along uninterrupted lines to connect shoot organs with roots;vascular strands are thus polar, continuous, and internally aligned. What controls the formation of vascular strands with these properties？ The “auxin canalization hypothesis”-based on positive feedback between auxin flow through a cell and the cell’s capacity for auxin transport-predicts the selection of continuous files of cells that transport auxin polarly, thus accounting for the polarity and continuity of vascular strands. By contrast, polar, continuous auxin transport-though required-is insufficient to promote internal alignment of vascular strands, implicating additional factors. The auxin canalization hypothesis was derived from the response of mature tissue to auxin application but is consistent with molecular and cellular events in embryo axis formation and shoot organ development. Objections to the hypothesis have been raised based on vascular organizations in callus tissue and shoot organs but seem unsupported by available evidence. Other objections call instead for further research; yet the inductive and orienting influence of auxin on continuous vascular differentiation remains unique.