Protoplast isolation and culture for banana regeneration via somatic embryogenesis

Introduction. This protocol describes a method for obtaining protoplasts from banana leaves, calli and cell suspensions, and their sustainable development via somatic embryogenesis from embryogenic cell suspensions. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. This part describes the required laboratory materials, and media preparation for protoplast production and culture. Results. The first protoplasts may be seen after 30 min of incubation in enzyme maceration. With protoplasts from embryogenic cell suspension, complete development into a whole plant, through somatic embryogenesis, is observed in 12 weeks. The first cell divisions occur on feeder layers 3–8 days after protoplast plating. Proembryo formation is observed 14–21 days after initiation of protoplast culture. The transfer of derived embryo plantlets, at 8–10 weeks after protoplast plating, onto growth regulator-free medium, leads to plant rooting and elongation