Abstract: A large scale shoot multiplication from apical meristem in Aloe vera L. was obtained on MS with 35.5 μM BAP, 9.8 μM IBA and 81.4 μM adenine sulphate. Fifty micropropagated plants were successfully transferred to the field and maintained to attain reproductive phase. Field evaluation of micropropagated plants is important to assess predicted clonal fidelity. Exo-morphological evaluation of Aloe plants, identified three seed setting plants, designated as somaclones. Seeds were viable and germinated (70.58%) in vitro . Although chromosome number and morphology of somaclones were identical with the donor plants their RAPD profiles and ITS-1 sequences were different from donor plant. This study reports Seed setting somaclones in Aloe vera, for the first time which may serve as new genetic resource for biotechnological improvement. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 231-246, 2015 (December)

Abstract: At the cellular level, the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) signaling pathway comprising SOS3 , SOS2 , and SOS1 has been proposed to mediate cellular signaling under salt stress to maintain ion (Na+) homeostasis. In this regulatory pathway, both OsSOS1 encoding plasma membrane and OsNHX1 encoding vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporters are regulated by SOS3 ‐ SOS2 protein kinase complex. In the present study, the rice variety BRRI dhan28 - which is popular with farmers and high yielding, but salt sensitive, was transformed with the OsSOS1 gene isolated from salt tolerant Pokkali rice and driven by the constitutive promoter, CaMV35S. The construct was transformed through a tissue culture-independent Agrobacterium mediated in planta transformation method that circumvents the problems associated with tissue culture-based indica rice transformation methods. Integration of the foreign genes ( OsSOS1 ) into the genome of transgenic plants was confirmed by gene-specific PCR and Southern blot analysis. The level of transgene expression ( SOS1 ) was also quantified by semi-quantitative RT PCR and real time PCR. Genetic segregation ratio for T 1 progenies was calculated and found to follow the Mendelian law of inheritance in case of positive transformants. The transformants were shown to be salt tolerant compared to wild type in molecular analysis as well as physiological screening. Future work will involve transformation of both the OsSOS1 and OsNHX1 genes together; with the expectation for enhancing the tolerance level compared to currently available transgenic rice. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 257-272, 2015 (December)

Abstract: An efficient and reproducible procedure for the direct regeneration of phalaenopsis cv. ‘Surabaya’ using of nodal explants and leaf segments derived from in vitro flower stalk was conducted. Three experiments were carried out for shoot development and subsequent plant regeneration: Direct shoot regeneration from nodal explants of Phalaenopsis cv. ‘Surabaya’ flower stalks on MS added with different combination of NAA and BAP, direct regeneration of protocormlike bodies (PLBs) from leaf explants in a MS with different concentrations of the TDZ, acclimatization of regenerated plantlets in different mixture of components and nutrients. The results showed that 5 mg/l BAP and 2 mg/l NAA were most effective concentration for shoot regeneration, regenerated shoots were cultured on half strength of MS containing activated charcoal, IAA and NAA at various concentrations, highest number of root (6.7) was obtained in higher concentration of NAA (2 mg/l). TDZ induced a higher frequency of embryogenesis from leaf explants than BAP, the highest number of embryos per explant was 22.45 at 3 mg/l TDZ. Altogether, BAP at higher concentration (10 mg/l) with 1 mg/l NAA had the highest enhancement on the amount of direct embryogenesis. In our investigation 87.20% plantlets via nodal explants survived acclimatization process in medium containing cocopeat and coal (1 : 1). The survival rate of regenerated plantlets via nodal explants (82.07%) was more than of regenerated plantlets via leaf explants (70.47). This protocol provides the basis for further investigation on micropropagation and breeding programs in Phalaenopsis cv. ‘Surabaya’. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 193-205, 2015 (December)

Abstract: Carrot (Daucus carota) is a valuable plant with both therapeutic and horticultural potential. Stem, petiole and root derived calli of carrot were obtained on solid MS supplemented with 1 mg/l BAP + 2 mg/l NAA. Callus cultures supplemented with different L-phenylalanine (PHE) concentrations under light and dark conditions were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents. The authors showed that PHE supplementation in Daucus carota cultures was necessary to raise the extraction yield percentage. Antioxidant assays such as DPPH scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching have been carried out. In DPPH system, callus extracts from different explants grown under light conditions displayed lower DPPH radical scavenging activity at all PHE levels compared with that grown under dark conditions. Moreover, under both light and dark conditions callus cultures grown on MS supplemented with 1 mg/l BAP + 2 mg/l NAA plus 1000 mg/l PHE were recorded to yield the maximum values as antioxidant activities. Regarding β-carotene bleaching assay, under light condition the callus extract of stem, root and petiole recorded an inhibition of linolic acid 47.9, 41.43 and 39%) which is lower compared with dark grown cultures, respectively (52.46, 72.71 and 73.26%). Effect of different concentrations of phenylalanine on the total phenolic content of carrot callus extract examined under light conditions varied from 0.33 to 2 mg/g DW and 0.51 to 3.69 mg/g DW under dark conditions as expressed Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 207-221, 2015 (December)

Abstract: An efficient protocol of in vitro propagation of Plectranthus bourneae Gamble (Lamiaceae), a valuable medicinal important and endemic Red listed plant of Western Ghats, (Tamil Nadu, India) was standardized by improved shoot multiplication from axillary bud explant. An in vitro propagation system has been reconnoitered on MS with the effective concentration BA (0.7 mg/l) followed by a combination of BA (0.7 mg/l) and TDZ (1.0 mg/l) which promoted high number of shoots. The multiple shoot rate was enhanced further by adding AdS (50 mg/l). Beneficial shoot length was achieved when cultured on MS containing GA 3 (0.5 mg/l). Rooting was increased on MS augmented with IBA (1.5 mg/l). Micropropagated plants were acclimatized and the survival rate was 80%. Acclimatized P. bourneae plants can be used as substitute alternative to natural populations. Using this protocol the propagated plants can be used for conservation strategies. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 273-284, 2015 (December)

Abstract: Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal is an important medicinal plant of Solanaceae. Nodal segments obtained from field grown plants were used as explants. 1 ‐ 2 cm long nodal segment with a single one bud was cultured on MS containing 2.5 mg/l thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg/l NAA and 50 mg/l adenine sulphate (AdS) resulted in formation of 5.16 shoots per node. However, vitrification was observed in all explants within one month. On the other hand nodal explants cultured on MS supplemented with 2.50 mg/l meta‐topoline ( m T) with 0.1 mg/l NAA and 50 mg/l AdS resulted in the formation of 4.50 healthy and uniformly grown shoots per node. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 187-195, 2016 (December)

Abstract: To evaluate the response of different genotypes of safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) to in vitro salt stress was conducted. Callus derived from leaflet, pedicel, hypocotyls, and adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf were subjected to in vitro salt stress at 0, 100 and 200 mM of NaCl. The relative growth rate (RGR), callus growth rate (CGR), relative water content (RWC), tolerance index (TOL) and necrosis percentage were assessed. Results of analysis of variance indicated significant effects of salt stress, significant differences among genotypes for all traits and significant genotype × salt stress interaction for CGR, RWC and necrosis traits. The application of NaCl decreased RGR, CGR, RWC and TOL, significantly, while a significant increase observed across all the tested explants and genotypes for necrosis percentage data. An Iranian safflower genotype (K21) superior for RGR, RWC and TOL was the most salt tolerant genotype at the cellular level. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 231-242, 2016 (December)

Abstract: Elicitation strategies were studied for yield enhancement of colchicine, produced by root cultures of Gloriosa superba . Adventitious root cultures were established and grown in media containing 3 mg/l NAA and 1 mg/l BA. Root cultures showed variations in biomass as well as colchicine production in the presence of different exogenous carbohydrates and amino acid. Among the different sources of carbohydrates used - fructose, sucrose and dextrose gave a substantially higher biomass yield than the control. Maximum biomass was obtained in the presence of fructose. Root cultures growing in mannitol supplemented medium resulted in maximum accumulation of colchicine (0.32%). Among the amino acids, serine and phenylalanine significantly enhanced colchicine accumulation in root cultures. 0.02 mM glutamine supplemented media showed maximum (ten-fold) increase of root biomass. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 247-256, 2015 (December)

Abstract: Multiple shoots were induced on cotyledon explants of in vitro grown seedlings of Blepharispermum subsessile DC, cultured on MS medium supplemented with various combinations and concentrations of BAP, IBA and GA 3 . The highest regenerative response was observed on medium containing 2.5 mg/l BAP where shoot buds initiated after 12 days of inoculation and about 32 shoots were produced in 30 days time. Addition of GA 3 played a key role in leaf expansion and elongation of shoot buds. Addition of the auxin IBA to the induction medium resulted in more callus proliferation rather than shoot bud induction. The elongated shoots were transferred to root induction medium consisting of half strength MS supplemented with IAA, NAA and IBA. Highest rooting response (90%) was recorded in ½ MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/l IAA. Acclimatized plants were maintained in polybags with garden soil for future reintroduction program to their natural habitat. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 255-266, 2016 (December)

Abstract: Plants are wonderful resource of bioproducts encompassing significant value to medicines and drug development. The plant cell suspension cultures bear immense potential for production of high‐value secondary metabolites and are chosen as alternative sources of raw material for industrial use. In the present study, homogenous cell suspension culture of Celastrus paniculatus a medicinally important plant was established and multifold production of alkaloids and total phenols was obtained under the influence of monochromatic lights . One month old leaf derived friable callus of C. paniculatus was used to raise homogenous suspension culture and kept on rotary shakers in cabinets illuminated with different monochromatic LED lights (Blue, Yellow and Red). The monochromatic lights proved to be a strong abiotic elicitor in driving the production of secondary metabolites so much so that the metabolites were released extracellularly and the medium served as sink or spacious pool for leaked out metabolites from the cell mass. Maximum production and enhancement in alkaloids and phenols (98 and 44.7%, respectively) over control was obtained from cell mass grown under yellow light treatment, followed by blue (64 and 23.7%) and red light (50 and 26%) treatments. Further scale up of secondary metabolite production was hence performed under yellow light conditions, starting from 2.5 gm cell mass suspended in 250 ml of media extended up to 1000 ml culture media for one month. The continuous culture system exhibited remarkable potential of this plant cell system as multifold yield of total alkaloids (91.69 μg/1750 ml) and phenols (70.59 μg/1750 ml) was obtained during 30 days of culture under yellow light conditions. The production was remarkably enhanced by 100‐folds (5.29 to 48.21 μg; Fig. 2) for alkaloids and 70‐folds (1.73 to 46.33 μg; Fig. 3) for phenols, from zero days to 30‐day‐old culture phase. Hence, strategic implementation of monochromatic lights holds great promises for controlled commercial production of myriads of valuable secondary metabolites from plant cell cultures of important medicinal plants. Present work contributes to the first reports where continuous, enhanced, multifold yield of important secondary metabolites were obtained from cell suspension culture of Celasrus paniculatus an endangered medicinal plant. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 175-185, 2016 (December)

Abstract: To investigate the influence of cultivar, medium, and explants on production of somatic embryogenic callus in grapevine ( Vitis vinifera ) an attempt was made. After callus production, calli were transferred into GS1CA medium for embryogenesis. In GS1CA medium, anther explant of ‘Shahroodi’ cultivar showed the highest potential for production of embryogenic calli. Results showed that whole flower explants did not produce any embryogenic calli. In addition, leaf explants of ‘Red‐Sultanina’ and ‘Flame Seedless’ were cultured on MS containing 1mg 2,4‐D, 0.1 mg BA, 1 g/l casein hydrolisate, 20 g/l sucrose and 7 g/l agar were able to produce embryonic calli. After three months, calli were transferred to the MS with different concentrations of BA (1, 2 and 3.5 mg/l) and IAA (2, 5 and 15 mg/l). Results showed that among cultivars and different hormonal treatments, the medium containing 5 mg/l BA and 2 mg/l IAA induced maximum embryogenesis in ‘Flame‐Seedless’ calli. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 219-230, 2016 (December)

Abstract: The effects of different concentrations (0.0 M, 0.01 M, 0.02 M and 0.03 M for 24 hours treatment) of chemical mutagen like, ethyl methanesulfphonate (EMS) on callus derived from sugarcane var. Isd 37, Isd 39 and Isd 40 were investigated for in vitro plant regeneration. The highest number of shoots (58.33%) was reduced over control of Isd 40 followed by Isd 37 (57.62%) and Isd 39 (the lowest 56.06%), respectively due to the use of EMS for treating calli. The regeneration of mutant plantlets was achieved from EMS (0.01 M) treated calli obtained from leaf sheath explants on MS supplemented with 2, 4‐D (3 mg/l) and 10% coconut water. Most of the mutant plants were developed from Isd 37. The developed mutant plants showed variation in tiller number, internode, green leaf, millable cane and stalk colour from the source variety of Isd 37. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 123-130, 2016 (June)

Abstract: Sugarcane somaclones and their sources varieties were analyzed by RAPD molecular markers to check the variation at molecular level based on 1.4% agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). Six RAPD primers generated 237 bands with average 39.5 varied from 15 to 63 with size ranging 145 - 1000 bp among the four sugarcane varieties and their 12 somaclones. Genetic diversity or polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.39 to 0.50 for all loci across the 4 varieties and their 12 somaclones based on RAPD markers. Dendrogram based on linkage distance using unweighted pair group method of arithmetic means (UPGMA) based on 6 RAPD primers indicated segregation of the 4 sugarcane varieties and their somaclones into two main clusters at linkage distance 36. Variety Isd 39 was observed in main cluster C 1 while its (Isd 39) somaclones and other varieties (Isd 37, Isd 38 and Isd 40) and also their somaclones were found in main cluster C 2 having different sub-clusters. Theirfore, it may be concluded that RAPD markers can be used for identification of somaclonal variation and the relationship between sources varieties and their somaclones. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 223-229, 2015 (December)

Abstract: Five eggplant cultivars were cultured on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4?D, resulting in the development of embryogenic calli. When the calli were subcultured onto growth regulator free MS, BARI Begun?4 produced the highest number of embryos (64) per explant followed by BARI Begun?1 (57). Later both the superior varieties in terms of embryo production were cultured on MS having 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/l 2,4?D along with a control. BARI Begun?4 produced the highest number of embryos (67) on MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 2,4?D which was closely followed by BARI Begun?1 (62). Regenerated plantlets were successfully established in soil following acclimation. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 77-83, 2016 (June)

Abstract: The effect of glutamine, biotin and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) on growth and cultivars micropropagation of three ornamental species was investigated. The addition of 10 ‐ 100 mg/l glutamine in culture media significantly increased rate of multiplication in Cordyline fruticosa and 100 mg/l glutamine showed the same effect for Gerbera jamesonii. Addition of glutamine did not show any effect on shoot length, root number and length in all the three species. Addition of 1 ‐ 3 mg/l biotin increased shoot length of Gerbera jamesonii but inhibited shoot length of Cordyline fruticosa and decreased root length of Chrysanthemum hybridum and Gerbera jamesonii. Addition of 5.0 mg/l ADP significantly increased multiplication rate of Cordyline fruticosa and 1.0 mg/l ADP showed similar effect for Gerbera jamesonii. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 97-104, 2016 (June)

Abstract: Protocol for Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation using hypocotyl and cotyledonary leaf with petiole from two local varieties of Brassica juncea was established by optimizing various factors influencing transformation. GUS histochemical assay revealed that the cotyledonary leaf with petiole and hypocotyl explants had positive interaction with the Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 containing the binary plasmid pBI121 which has marker genes like, GUS and nptII. Maximum transformation was obtained with bacterial suspension having an optical density of 0.8 at 600 nm, 30 min of incubation and 72 hours of co‐cultivation. The transient and stable integration of the marker genes were confirmed through histochemical GUS assay, as well as PCR analysis. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 55-65, 2016 (June)

Abstract: A rapid and an efficient protocol for germination of immature seeds of Vanda tessellata , PLBs development and plant regeneration system have been developed. The results indicate that immature capsules performed better in terms of germination (100.0%) and development of PLBs (90.0%). Around 45 - 60 days old PLBs were transferred to half strength of MS supplemented with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. The highest weight of PLBs (5.53 g), the best plant regeneration (16.50) and shoot length (3.25 cm) were recorded when the medium was supplemented with BAP (1.0 mg/l) and NAA (1.5 mg/l). The highest number (5.0) and length (3.22 cm) of roots, the maximum number of plantlets (3.75) were obtained in the medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l IAA. The maximum numbers of leaves (3.33) were recorded in the medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l BAP + 1.00 mg/l IAA; the highest length of leaves (2.59 cm) was observed in the medium combining with of BAP and IAA (2.0 mg/l). Well shooted - and rooted plants were acclimated in pots that contained two types of compost. Here, type-II showed better performance on plant development. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 181-191, 2015 (December)

Abstract: The study was conducted to develop micropropagation and slow‐growth conservation protocol for endangered relict plant species Campanula sclerophylla. The best multiplication rate up to 7.2 shoots per explant was obtained on half strength MS supplemented with 3 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l IAA. The effects of temperature/light conditions, sorbitol and ABA on shoot growth of Campanula sclerophylla were studied. Addition of 3 g/l sorbitol and 5 mg/l ABA inhibited shoot length and multiplication of C. sclerophylla. Explants were stored for 9 months without subculture at 7 o С and light intensity of 23 lux. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 143-149, 2016 (December)

Abstract: Genetic imprinting: the parent of origin‐specific biased expression of alleles is an important type of epigenetic gene regulation in flowering plants and mammals. All imprinted genes show either maternal ‐ or paternal‐specific mono‐allelic expression. Considering that plants and mammals shared a common ancestor more than one billion years ago, significant overlap and potentially equally significant differences in the genomic imprinting mechanisms in these two taxa are emerging. In plants, the imprinted genes are primarily imprinted in the ephemeral endosperm tissues of the seeds which do not contribute any genome to future generations, while in mammals, the imprinted genes are located in embryo, placenta, and the adult body. Though both kingdoms silence imprinted genes using DNA methylation, imprinted alleles in mammals are targeted for silencing while in plants preexisting methylation is specifically removed from the allele destined to be active in maternally expressed genes in the endosperm. It is now accepted that imprinting evolved in both taxa due to competition between parental genomes over resource allocation to offspring. Moreover, the distinct life cycle stages between the taxa may account for the different strategies used by plants and mammals to regulate parent‐specific gene expression. The elucidation of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms responsible for genetic imprinting have provided answers to various crucial questions arising in biological sciences Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 267-284, 2016 (December)

Abstract: The evaluation of the effects of different cytokinin concentrations and media types on in vitro shoot proliferation of Asparagus racemosus Willd. is reported. Maximum shoot number and shoot lengths were found with 0.25 mg/l BA which was statistically similar with 0.1 mg/l Kn. Maximum multiplication and growth were found in MS. The protocol could thus be helpful for in vitro mass propagation of A. racemosus . Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 151-157, 2016 (December)

Abstract: The anther culture response in Solanum commersonii (2n = 2x = 24, 1EBN) and S. chacoense (2n = 2x = 24, 2EBN), two wild potato germplasm resources was studied to obtain haploid plants. Three accessions from each of the two species and 3200 anthers from each genotype were cultured. Authors assessed different culture media; ascorbic acid, L‐cysteine and silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) were included to prevent browning of anther cultures. Addition of AgNO 3 , was effective to induce embryogenesis. The clones from S. commersonii showed different embryogenic response to androgenesis. However, the three accessions from S. chacoense did not induce any embryo in the same conditions. Ploidy level of the regenerated clones was estimated by flow cytometry and confirmed by chromosome counts. This is the first report of haploid plants obtained from anther culture in S. commersonii, with important implications in s equencing efforts and potato breeding. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 159-173, 2016 (December)

Abstract: Five wheat genotypes and their hybrids under four salinity (sea water) levels were considered for tissue culture and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The genotypes and the hybrids differed in their ability to callus induction, callus fresh weight and regeneration. Among the genotypes, Sakha 93 (P 1 ) followed by Line WB19 (P 5 ) was the most tolerant genotypes for salinity and gave the highest growth rate (46.6%) and (46.3%), respectively while Giza 168 (P 3 ) was the most sensitive one to salinity with lowest growth rate (26.6%). All hybrids scored higher averages in callus growth rate than their parents. P 1 × P 5 followed by P 1 × P 2 and P 1 × P 4 produced the highest growth rate 75.6, 59.1 and 52.6% over hybrids while P 3 × P 4 had the lowest rate 28.5%, respectively. The hybrid P 1 × P 5 gave the highest percentage of plant regeneration over all genotypes and their hybrids followed P 2 × P 5 , P 1 × P 2 and P 4 × P 5 . The highest number of RAPD specific markers scored for hybrid P 1 × P 5 was (6 markers), while Line WB19 (P 5 ), P 1 × P 2 and P 2 × P 5 were (4 markers). These markers can be verified as the RAPD markers associated with salt tolerance. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 25-36, 2016 (June)

Abstract: Leaf explants were cultured to evaluate the effect of different auxins and cytokinins and its concentrations; MS salts on micropropagation of the promising biodiesel Jatropha curcas plant under Egyptian conditions. Results showed that shoot initiated on 0.5 mg/l BA + 0.25 mg/l IBA. Multiplication and elongation were found to be the best using 0.5 mg/l BA in combination with 0.05 mg/l IBA. The multiple shoots were cultured on MS or half strength of MS supplemented with different concentrations of IAA and IBA for rooting phase. Half strength of MS containing 1.0 mg/l IAA was the best for rooting of micropropagated shoots. The rooted plantlets were acclimated in sand : peat?moss mixture (1 : 1) successfully. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 85-96, 2016 (June)

Abstract: An efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro plant regeneration and Agrobacterium -mediated genetic transformation was developed for Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. using nodal explants. Several parameters affecting Agrobacterium mediated gene delivery were investigated and optimized. These include antibiotic concentration, preculture period, infection time, use of acetosyringone, co-cultivation period and temperature and increased level of copper in induction, co-cultivation and regeneration medium. Incorporation of elevated level of CuSO 4 led to significant improvements in plant regeneration and recovery of transformed plants. The highest frequency of transformation was observed when explants were infected and co-cultivated at 23 o C. Higher transformation frequency was attained by augmenting the medium with 1.0 μM CuSO 4 which was ten times the normal MS level. Addition of acetosyringone in the infection and co-cultivation media was very beneficial and resulted in greater transformation efficiency. Transient and stable expression of gus gene was confirmed with histochemical assay of infected explants and leaves of regenerated transformants, respectively. Molecular analysis of transformed plants with nptII and gus A specific primers revealed the amplification of nptII and gus gene thereby demonstrated the efficacy of optimized protocol for A. tumefaciens -mediated genetic transformation in Eclipta alba for the first time. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(2): 155-164, 2015 (December)

Abstract: This article was published in Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology [© 2016, Bangladesh Association for Plant Tissue] and the definite version is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v26i1.29772. The Journal's website is at: http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/PTCB/article/view/29772

Abstract: Luffa aegyptiaca is a popular climbing herb endemic in Egypt. We studied the genetic diversity among ten Luffa landraces (Cairo, Beni Suef, Menoufiya, Damietta, Banha, Aswan, Kafr el‐Sheikh, Bir el‐Abd, MarsaMatruh and Asyut) collected from different districts in Egypt. The results obtained from DNA fingerprinting revealed that there were polymorphic loci with average percentage of 44.6 among collected landraces whereas polymorphic loci obtained from SDS‐PAGE were 23%. Discrimination between landraces was more efficient by using RAPD‐PCR marker than total proteins SDS‐PAGE which showed a limited level of intraspecific diversity. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 209-217, 2016 (December)

Abstract: To isolate and characterize lipase producing bacteria from lipid‐rich environment and screen the best lipolytic indigenous bacteria a study was made. For the isolation of bacteria, oil based wastewater and soil were collected from ten different sampling sites. Four different media were used for study the aerobic heterotrophic bacterial count. The highest bacterial count (1.56 × 10 7 cfu/gm) was observed in dairy farm soil and lowest (8.3 × 10 2 cfu/ml) in the Buriganga river water. The highest percentage (94.51) of lipase producing bacteria was found in edible oil mill soil and lowest (23.44) in the Buriganga river water. Among the total isolates 30 showed better lipase activity. Potential ten lipase producers were taken for molecular identification. Among them, nine genera were matched with their conventional identification but conventionally identified Acetobacter liquifaciens was found to be as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia . The enzyme produced by the isolated bacteria could be used for the treatment of lipid‐rich wastewater. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 243-253, 2016 (December)

Abstract: Somatic embryogenesis, plant regeneration and genetic stability of regenerants grown from cassava secondary somatic cotyledon preserved at 160C on medium containing mannitol or sorbitol alone and their combinations were investigated. Irrespective of osmotic agents in the medium, survival of cotyledon explant, frequency of somatic embryos, shoot induction, number of somatic embryo per explant, shoot elongation and rooting decreased as preservation period increased. The highest survival rate of cotyledon explants, frequency of somatic embryos, shoot induction and shoot elongation were observed on media containing 2% mannitol. However, the highest per cent rooting occurred on medium containing mannitol alone at 8 months after storage (MAS) and on media containing mannitol or sorbitol alone at 16 MAS. RAPD analysis suggested genetic uniformity among regenerants and their control plant. Osmotic preservation of secondary somatic embryos of cassava on 2% mannitol at 16 0 C is the best slow‐growth method. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(1): 47-54, 2016 (June)

Abstract: Attempt was made to produce transgenic cell lines of flax cv. Blanka tolerant to drought stress. Genetic transformation systems were used to incorporate the DREB2A gene, as the specific gene for drought stress tolerance. In biolistic transformation, hypocotyl segments were bombarded with DREB2A and GFP genes at particle flight distance of 9 cm and rupture disc pressure of 1300 psi. The expression of the gene was observed under a light microscope after 24 and 48 hrs. In Agrobacterium ‐ mediated transformation, the hypocotyl segments were incubated overnight with Agrobacterium culture at five optical density OD 600 i.e. 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 for 30 min with occasional stirring. Later, the explants were transferred to a selection regeneration medium supplemented with 50 mg/dm3 hygromycin and 300 mg/dm3 cefotaxime and subcultured every two weeks on a new selection medium. Molecular analysis confirmed the expression of the target DREB2A gene in flax genome. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 197-207, 2016 (December