An investigation on the response of different maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes to callus induction and plant regeneration from mature embryos

This study was conducted in Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Laboratories of Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture during 2010-2011. The study consists of three stages. Firstly, callus induction from mature maize embryos, secondly obtaining embryogenic calli and thirdly somatic embryogenesis and shoot production were aimed. In the experiment, five inbred line and their six hybrid combinations total eleven maize genotypes were used. MS + 4 mg/L 2,4-D for the first stage, MS + 2 mg/L 2,4-D + 0,25 mg/L BA for the second stage and MS and MS + 1 mg/L BA were used as media. In general, hybrid genotypes had a better tissue culture response than inbred lines. Among the parent lines, RSSSC female line had the best response in terms of callus size and viability percentage. Hybrid combination produced using RSSSC also responded in the same way. The highest embryogenic callus production was also obtained from RSSSC inbred line and its hybrid combinations for GKK, ÖKK and heterosis values. As a result, it was determined that tissue culture response of maize changed depending on genotypes. When the heredity effects on tissue culture response is considered an inbred line which has a good tissue culture response also results a good response in combinations of hybrids.