Regeneration of protoplasts after somatic hybridisation of Hydrangea

Somatic hybridisation of Hydrangea is a promising tool to obtain new basic material for breeding. Viable mesophyll protoplasts were isolated from 21 cultivars and accessions of H. macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. arborescens, H. quercifolia and H. febrifuga. Induction of cell divisions was observed after electromanipulation and fusion by polyethylene glycol. Multi-cellular structures developed in liquid media. Plated microcalli grew on different solid regeneration media. Several phytohormones, their concentration and combination influenced the development of callus and roots. The regular appearance of endophytes challenged successful plant regeneration. As a result of endophytes, the development of microcolonies stopped and they died in liquid protoplast media. Plated microcalli or growing calli turned brown on regeneration medium. Antibiotic Timentin® inhibited expansion of endophytes for a short time. The addition of ascorbic and citric acid to the regeneration media had inhibiting effect on endophyte growth. Calli showed more vitality and grew faster. The supplement of the regeneration media with karrikinolide, a recently discovered new plant growth regulator, brought contradictory results. After addition of karrikinolide microcolonies looked healthier by their shining green colour in liquid media followed by a severe browning of callus soon afterwards. In the further course, karrikinolide promoted the development of endophytes. Shoot induction and plant regeneration succeeded only once from callus that was a result from H. macrophylla ‘Schneeball’ and H. macrophylla ‘Nachtigall’ fusion.