The Crystal Growth and Characterization of CeT2Si2 Ternary Intermetallics (T = Ni, Pd, Pt)

Bulk single crystals of the ternary intermetallic compounds CeNi2Si2, CePd2Si2 and CePt2Si2 have been grown from the melt with a modified “tri-arc” Czochralski method. The as-grown crystals were characterized by X-ray, microprobe, and chemical analyses. The measured densities were compared with the calculated densities as obtained from the lattice parameters. In all as-grown single crystals no detectable precipitates of foreign phases were observed. These precipitates are always present in polycrystalline samples, even after a heat-treatment, and are visible on the grain boundaries and in the subgrain structure.

Improvement of regeneration of Lycopersicon pennellii protoplasts by decreasing ethylene production

Lycopersicon pennellii shoots, cultured in vitro for more than a year (type I plants) produced few viable protoplasts in contrast to shoots cultured in vitro for less than five months (type II plants). Ethylene production of both plant types was compared. The low viability of plant type I protoplasts could be correlated with high ethylene production and an increased cell sap osmolality. The ethylene action inhibitor silver thiosulphate improved protoplast yield and viability, especially when using donor tissue, germinated and cultured on medium containing silver thiosulphate (type III plants). Moreover, the choice of cell wall degrading enzymes influenced protoplast viability, since ethylene release was significantly lower using Cellulase R 10 than Cellulysin. All improvements together resulted in an efficient protocol for the isolation and regeneration of Lycopersicon pennellii protoplasts.

Induction of streptomycin resistance in the wild tomato Lycopersicon peruvianum

A protoplast mutagenesis and cell selection system was used for the isolation of streptomycin resistant Lycopersicon peruvianum colonies. Protoplasts were treated with the mutagen N-nitroso-methylurea and could be regenerated into fertile plants, carrying the streptomycin resistant character. Several classes of streptomycin resistance could be distinguished. Reciprocal crosses between streptomycin resistant and sensitive plants showed a non-Mendelian transmission of the resistance trait. Streptomycin resistance is the first selectable and maternally inherited cell organelle marker described in tomato.