Buffalograss is native to the Great Plains of North America. Its excellent drought resistance and low growth habit make it a good choice for a low-maintenance turf. A reproducible and efficient regeneration protocol of buffalograss is critical for further genetic transformation. By using immature inflorescences as explants, we have achieved the regeneration of buffalograss of two female clones, `315' and `609', a male clone, NE 84-45-3, and a synthetic cultivar, `Texoka'. Somatic embryogenesis was observed. The medium used for callus initiation was MS basal medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-D and BA. After 4 weeks of dark culture, calli with nodular structures were transferred to the same basal medium supplemented with BA and either a reduced rate of 2,4-D or no 2,4-D. It was demonstrated that 2,4-D at 2 or 3 mg/L is optimal for embryogenic callus production. The presence of BA from 0.1 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L was required for the regeneration of `315', `609', and NE 84-45-3. For `Texoka', 2,4-D at 0.5 mg/L with BA at 0.3 mg/L in the regeneration medium favored normal development of somatic embryos that were capable of germination. A genotypic effect was observed with regard to embryogenic callus production; explants of the male genotype NE 84-45-3 exhibited a higher percentage of embryogenic callus formation than was found for the two female genotypes. A significant seasonal effect was also observed with inflorescences collected in early May exhibiting a higher percentage of callus formation than those collected in the summer and fall.
In Vitro Regeneration of Buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm] through Immature Inflorescence Culture
