Gelling agents in protoplast regeneration

Abstract

This invention generally pertains to means and methods for cultivation of plant protoplasts. Specifically, the invention pertains to a method for cultivating plant protoplasts, wherein the method at least comprises (a) providing an aqueous solution comprising plant protoplasts and a hydrogel-forming pectin, (b) causing the pectin to form a hydrogel comprising the plant protoplasts and (c) contacting the hydrogel comprising the plant protoplast with a first culture medium. The invention further pertains to a pectin hydrogel comprising plant protoplasts and a pectin hydrogel comprising clonal microcalli.