Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in two-year old cultures of Zea diploperennis.

Immature embryos and immature leaf tissues were used to establish embryogenic cultures of Zea diploperennis. Callus was induced on media containing MS salts and vitamins, sucrose (2% for leaves, 6% for embryos), 5% coconut milk and 1-6 mg/l 2, 4-D. Embryogenic callus was maintained by subculturing on media containing MS salts and vitamins, 2% sucrose, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate and 1 mg/l 2,4-D. Regeneration occurred when the 2,4-D level was reduced to 0.25 mg/l. Kinetin added at 0.25 mg/l further stimulated regeneration. Root tip squashes on 10 plants regenerated after 2 years in culture indicated a normal 2n=20 chromosome number.