Callus induction and differentiation of switchgrass Panicum virgatum seeds

The efficient regeneration system is the basis and premise for a genetic transformation system. The mature seeds of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) were used as the explant to establish the regeneration system of switchgrass. After sterilizing the seeds by 70% ethanol and 0.1% HgCl2 with twostep asepsis, MS culture medium was basic culture medium to determine the influence of different concentrations of 2,4D and 6BA on callus induction and the influence of GA3 on differentiation. The results of this study showed that the seeds activities of switchgrass were well preserve and the callus induction rate was the highest when seeds were treated by 70% ethanol for 20 s and then by 0.1% HgCl2 for 5 min. The quality of callus were better when the MS consisted of 5 mgL-1 2,4D and 1.2 mgL-1 6BA, and the differentiation and regeneration of callus was the best as 0.5 mgL-1 GA3 were added into the MS. The best regeneration system of switchgrass included that MS was the basic medium, 5 mgL-1 2,4D and 1.2 mgL-1 6BA was added to induct the callus, and 0.5 mgL-1 GA3 was used to differentiate and regenerate.