Cryopreservation of embryonic axes of maize (<i>Zea mays</I> L.) by vitrification protocol

Abstract

A storage protocol at cryogenic temperature was established for embryonic axes of maize using a basic vitrification protocol with direct immersion in liquid nitrogen (-196ºC). The response of isolated embryonic axes of five maize genotypes to plant vitrification solution (PVS2) at different concentrations was studied. Recovery after cryopreservation ranges from 47.5% - 75% among genotypes. PVS2 at 50% and 100% concentrations gave comparable high recovery rate.

Keywords: Cryopreservation, maize, embryonic axes, vitrification