Effects of silver nitrate on the tissue culture of immature wheat embryos

The immature embryos of four common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with desirable agronomic traits were evaluated for their tissue culture response to ethylene antagonist, silver nitrate, added to callus-inductive and subculture media at six concentrations. The addition of AgNO3 significantly improved embryogenic callus frequency and callus growth, but reduced the necroses and almost did not affect callus induction frequencies. Strong genotypic effects on callus induction, embryogenic callus formation, and necrosis frequency were observed. It was also found that there were significant interactions between genotype and AgNO3 concentrations affecting embryogenic callus frequency and callus growth index. In general, 10 mg/l concentration may be considered most favorable for embryogenesis and prevention of necroses; at the same time, it did not reduce callus induction and promoted callus growth.