Regeneration in Phaseolus vulgaris L.: High-frequency induction of direct shoot formation in intact seedlings by N(6)-benzylaminopurine and thidiazuron.

Induction of prolific shoot formation in Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Kinghorn Wax was achieved by germinating mature seeds and growing seedlings on a medium supplemented with 10 μM thidiazuron (TDZ), a substituted phenylurea, or 80 μM N(6)-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Culture for 7 d in the presence of 10 μM TDZ was sufficient to induce maximal shoot formation, whereas a continuous presence of BAP was required for the induction and development of shoots. The differentiation of adventitious shoots occurred within four weeks of seed culture, from tissues in the regions of axillary buds on the cotyledonary node and also areas surrounding the shoot apex of the intact seedling. The number of shoots regenerated from intact seedlings was significantly higher than that obtained with expiants. Regenerated shoots developed into flowering plants. Similar results were obtained in six other bean cultivars.