Effect of acetone in the culture medium on the regeneration efficiency and on the resistance to root rot of regenerants of various plant species.

Various expiants of wheat, onion, garlic, and cabbage were examined for their regeneration efficiency in the presence of acetone in the culture medium. Acetone at concentrations between 1.5% and 3.0% (w/v) was shown to increase the degree of callusing and meristem formation, as well as the capacity to regenerate. It also significantly increased the survival and regeneration efficiency of expiants inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a bacterium known to reduce expiant viability. Resistance to root rot disease, caused by Helminthosporium sativum, was also increased. Thus acetone in the culture medium increases regeneration efficiency on selective media and under other stressful growth conditions.