Analysis of influence of different growth regulator’s combinations on plantlets regeneration in vitro of valuable Lycopersicon esculentum varieties

Abstract

Aim. Cultivation of tomatoes Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. is usually associated with a high risk of fungal and bacterial infection which can cause 30–80 % yield loss. Genetic engineering methods are widely used to cope with this problem. The efficiency of plant genetic engineering methods is closely related with a suitable in vitro cultivation conditions. In this articlethe methods for effective plant regeneration of valuable tomato varieties (Money Maker and Lahidny) are proposed. Methods. Using modified MS medium supplemented with the plant growth regulators the regeneration efficiency of different explant types was compared. Results. The highest regeneration frequency was observed on the explants cultivated on the MS medium containing 1 mg/l of indole-3-acetic acid and 1 mg/l zeatin. Hypocotyl and cotyledon regeneration frequency of Money Maker 2-week-old seedlings was 73 and 76 % after cultivation during 5 weeks, and for Lahidny cultivar regeneration level was 40 and 65 % after 4 weeks of cultivation. Conclusions. Further studies on genetic transformation of tomato cultivars should be conducted with the use of regeneration medium containing 1 mg/l of indole-3-acetic acid and 1 mg/l of zeatin because of the high regeneration level (65–76 %) shown for this combination of plant growth regulators.

Keywords: fungal pathogens, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., in vitro culture, growth regulators, regeneration frequency.