Increased Plant Regeneration Frequency in Water-Stressed Rice Tissue Cultures

Abstract

Plant regeneration ability in cells of rice (Oryza sativa L.) was closely correlated with its water status. The water content of the highly regenerating callus of ANT 39 was about 10% less than that of the poorly regenerating callus of TN 5. Plant regeneration frequency of TN 5 callus was apparently increased when its water content was reduced by water stress treatment. Mannitol and higher concentration of agar were used as a water stress inducing agent. Assessment of changes in the proline content of callus suggested the effect of water stress.