Production of protoplasts from cultures of Ophiostoma picea

Abstract

A method is described for producing viable protoplasts from germinating conidia (germlings) of Ophiostoma picea. The use of MgSO₄-based osmotic stabilizers significantly improved protoplast release, as did the use of 20-h-old germlings. Protoplast release rates also increased with higher enzyme concentration and incubation times, but there were associated negative effects, including reduced regeneration. The results indicate that the use of young germlings, low lytic enzyme levels, and short exposure periods produced the most viable protoplasts.