Embryo Rescue Efficiency Affected by Developmental Stages of Embryo and Medium Composition in Early-Ripening Peach (Prunus persica)

Embryo Rescue Efficiency Affected by Developmental Stages of Embryo and Medium Composition in Early-Ripening Peach (Prunus persica)

Embryos of early-ripening peaches could not achieve physiological maturation or undergo abortion before harvest. Embryo rescue is an effective strategy to rescue embryos from early-ripening peaches. Thus, the current study was carried out to determine the appropriate developmental stage and optimal medium composition for embryo rescue in early-ripening peach. Development of open-pollinated ‘Yumi’ fruit was investigated from 20 to 90 days after full bloom (DAFB) to explore period occurring endocarp hardening. After endocarp hardening, embryo development was observed by light microscopes. Shoot and root meristems were observed at 65 DAFB and embryo size rapidly increased at 75 DAFB. Embryos collected at 75, 80, 85, and 90 DAFB were cultured on four media based on Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW) medium. Germination rate of embryos cultured on four media gradually increased from 75 to 90 DAFB and reached 100% at 90 DAFB. Notably, M3 medium (0.5 DKW supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 1.0 ㎎/L) displayed the highest germination rate at 75 and 80 DAFB stages. Growth and development of shoot and root were pronounced in plantlet cultured at 90 DAFB stage. While delayed shoot growth was evident in plantlets cultured at 75, 80, and 85 DAFB stages, this retardation could be overcome through the application of growth regulators, particularly in M3 and M4 (0.5 DKW supplemented with BAP 1.0 ㎎/L and indole-3-butyric acid 0.5 ㎎/L) media. Remarkably, roots of plantlet grown in M4 medium exhibited limited elongation. In conclusion, germination rate of embryo and growth of embryo cultured plantlet can be enhanced by collecting seeds from early-ripening ‘Yumi’ at the 90 DAFB stage and conducting embryo culture using the M3 medium.