60. High regeneration frequency of protoplasts obtained in rice variety Zhonghua 8

Lab. of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China

Oryza sativa variety Zhonghua 8 is a rice cultivar with high productivity, good quality and high resistances to bacterial bright and blast. We have obtained a high frequency of protoplast regeneration in this variety, which may be useful for genetic manipulation.

Protoplasts were isolated from cell suspension Line MEI, which was derived from mature embryos. Modified procedures outlined by Abdullah et al. (1986) were used in cell division, differentiation and regeneration. Green plants were regenerated from the protoplast-derived callus and transferred to soils. Not only N60 but also MSO medium was used for regeneration. The plating efficiency was 26%. The regeneration frequency was about 27% based on divided colonies. Thus, the plating and regeneration frequencies in Zhonghua 8 were as high as those in the model system of Taipei 309.

Abdullah, R., E. C. Cocking and J. A. Thompson, 1986. Efficient plant regeneration from rice protoplasts through somatic embryogenesis. Bio/Technology 4: 1087-1090.