In vitro shoot organogenesis from Eucalyptus sp. leaf explants

Background In vitro organogenesis is one of the key techniques associated with genetic transformation, as it determines the successful regeneration of transgenic plants after co-cultivation with bacteria. Therefore, the development of efficient regeneration protocols is the most critical step in developing genetic transformation. Protocols have been developed for several species of eucalyptus. In most of the studies cotyledon, hypocotyl and leaf segments of plants cultivated in vitro are used as explants [1]. Several eucalyptus functional genomics projects have used Populus species as a model for it counts with well established regeneration and transformation protocols. However, the use of Eucalyptus clones as model plants could be more adequate, if clones with high regeneration rates as those obtained for Populus could be found. The aim of this study was to evaluate several variables in the in vitro organogenesis from leaves of an Eucalyptus sp. clone maintained in vitro at Embrapa Forestry.