Alginate Encapsulation of Begonia Microshoots for Short-Term Storage and Distribution
Figure 1
Encapsulation, germination, and maturation of Begonia microshoots. (a) Microshoot explants (4–8 mm long) were excised from in vitro cultures of Begonia cv. Sweetheart Mix and cv. BabyWing White. (b) Explants were submerged in sodium alginate solution for ~2 minutes and then individually suctioned into a sterile, disposable pipette with enough sodium alginate solution to encapsulate. (c) Each explant/sodium alginate combination was then released into a container of CaCl2·H2O and left for 30 or 45 minutes. (d) After the allotted time, the calcium chloride was drained from the newly formed synthetic seeds (encapsulated explants) by pouring the mixture into a sterile strainer. The synthetic seeds were rinsed at least three times with sterilized water to remove any remaining CaCl2·H2O. (e) Encapsulated explants or synthetic seeds were then placed in one of three container types: empty, sterile Petri dish (for storage), MS media, or peat-based substrate (PBS; Jiffy 7 peat pellets). (f) Typical growth pattern of synthetic seeds in MS media. (g) Typical growth pattern of synthetic seeds in soil. (h) Both MS media and PBS grown synthetic seeds developed into mature, thriving plants.
