Development of an efficient regeneration system for mature bombarded calli of Moroccan durum wheat varieties

This study examined the effects of various environmental and genetic factors on callus induction and plant regeneration of bombarded calli from mature embryos of durum wheat using the biolistic method. In this study, three Moroccan durum wheat varieties ('Isly', 'Amria', 'Marouane') were cultivated on two induction media (IM1 and IM2) with different nitrogen sources and contents. After that, each variety cultured on both induction media was transferred in to two regeneration media (RM1 and RM2) with different phytohormones, whereas each variety distributed through four combinations of treatments: IM1RM1, IM1RM2, IM2RM1, and IM2RM2. A completely randomized design with five replications per treatment for each genotype was used. Parameters considered in this study were phytohormones, nitrogen source and its content, plant variety, and their interactions. The study found that variety, medium and variety × medium interactions have a statistically significant effect on callus induction and plantlets regeneration. Prior to bombardment, the maximum percentage of callus induction was obtained under IM1. Conversely, the callus survival rate was not affected by the induction media once bombarded for all three varieties. The induction media had a significant effect on all regeneration parameters (p < 0.01). The variety ‘Isly’ showed the best regeneration efficiency after bombardment, with nearly 80% of plantlets regenerated under IM1 and RM2 combination. These media can be used for genetic transformation of durum wheat.