Microcallus formation from leaf mesophyll protoplasts in the genus Actinidia Lindl.

Microcallus (more than 60 cells) formation was obtained from leaf mesophyll protoplasts of 6 species and varieties in the genus Actinidia Lindl. (kiwifruit). The best results were achieved by using liquid over agarose culture for A. arguta var. arguta, liquid and agarose disc type culture for A. arguta var. purpurea, agarose disc type culture for A. arguta cv. Issaï and A. deliciosa and liquid agarose bead type- and disc type culture for A. kolomikta and A. polygama. Several factors influencing purification, browning, survival and sustained division of the protoplasts are briefly discussed.