Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Triticum aestivum x Leymus angustus F1 hybrids and the parental lines.

Somatic embryos and plants were produced from cultured inflorescence and leaf segments of Triticum aestivum X Leymus anaustus F1 hybrids and the parental lines. Inflorescences showed a better capacity for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration than leaves. Leymus anaustus produced the highest number of embryogenic calli, while the hybrids were intermediate between this species and Triticum aestivum. Presence of 2,4-D was shown to be essential for induction and maintenance of somatic embryogenesis. Addition of five amino acids (glutamine, proline, asparagine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid) did not have any marked effect when they were used in the callus induction medium. The regenerated plants had the same morphology as the original plants. No cytological modification was observed in the examined plants.