| Abstract: | In vitro selection of drought-tolerant mutants in sweetpotato cv. Lizixiang was studied by using PEG6000 as selection stress. Embryogenic suspension cultures were cultured in MS medium containing 0-35% PEG6000 and 2 mg L-1 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D). The results indicated that 30%PEG6000 can be used for the optimal selection stress of drought-tolerance. Embryogenic suspension cultures irradiated with 80 Gy gamma-ray were cultured in MS medium containing 30 % PEG6000 and 2 mg L-1 2,4-D and 20 drought-tolerant cell aggregates were obtained. These cell aggregates were transferred to solid MS medium supplemented with 2 mg L-1 2,4-D and formed embryogenic callus with somatic embryos. The embryogenic callus with somatic embryos was further transferred to MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 abscisic acid (ABA), resulting in the germination of somatic embryos. In this study a total of 18 regenerated plants were obtained. The regenerated plants were transplanted in a greenhouse and 11 lines were formed. The analysis on drought treatment of seedlings, water retaining capacity of leaves and coefficient of drought-tolerance showed that 3 lines had significant drought-tolerance in comparison with the control plants. |
