Regeneration system for grape and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention features methods of producing a plant or a mature somatic embryo from an embryogenic cell or embryogenic culture. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a liquid culture that includes an embryogenic cell; (b) recovering embryogenic cell from the culture; (c) transferring the embryogenic cell to a second culture; and (d) growing a mature somatic grape embryo from the embryogenic cell.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 202,964, filed Jul. 25, 2002, and Ser. No. 09 / 311,823, filed May 13, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,312, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 087,285, filed May 29, 1998, now abandoned, which, in turn, claims benefit of U.S. provisional application 60 / 085,711, filed May 15, 1998. The disclosures of all the aforementioned applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties into the instant application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to methods for regenerating grape plants, and grape germplasm produced using such methods. [0003] Grapevines are a deciduous temperate fruit crop of ancient origin. Grape production (65×106 metric tons) exceeds that of any other temperate fruit crop, and ranks third after Citrus and banana production. In addition, due to its uses for fresh fruit, juice, jelly, raisins, and wine,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides methods for efficiently producing mature somatic grape embryos and plantlets in large quantities. These methods involve culturing embryogenic cells in a liquid suspension culture and then transferring them to a solid or liquid culture to initiate embryo formation. The methods produce embryos with high frequencies and without common abnormalities. The resulting embryos can be used for genetic improvement of grapevine cultivars and can be stored for long periods of time. The methods can be applied to a variety of grape cultivars and are useful for biotechnology applications."

Problems solved by technology

Current methods for improving grapevines are time-consuming and labor intensive.

For example, genetic improvement in grapes through conventional breeding is severely limited by a number of factors such as long pre-bearing age and varying ploidy levels.

Cultivated grapes are also highly heterozygous and do not generally breed true from seeds.

Moreover, grape breeding programs are expensive, long-term projects.

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