Transmission of gross chromosomal variability from suspension cultures into regenerated celery plants [Apium graveolens]

The transmission of in vitro gross chromosomal variability from two Apium graveolens var. rapeceum suspension cultures into corresponding regenerated plants was examined. One suspension culture exhibited approximately 70 percent nondiplold cells and failed to regenerate plants under inductive conditions. The other culture consisted of 80 percent dlploid cells and could be regenerated readily. Polyploid and aneuploid cells with chromosome numbers in excess of 2n = 22 comprised nearly 10 percent of all cells in the suspension cultures, but were not present in corresponding regenerated plants. Aneuploids in the hypodiploid range, however, were present in approximately equal proportions in both suspension and regenerates. Hypodiploid cells were expressed in regenerated tissues as mixtures with diploid cells. The significance of these findings in application of in vitro culture techniques to plant genetics and development is discussed.