Researchers at Wageningen University & Research and KeyGene have developed a method that enables plant cells to regenerate into new plants without the need for externally administered hormones. The researchers report their findings in The Plant Cell.

Regeneration is the ability of plants to develop a new root, leaf, or even a whole new plant from a single cell. This technique is commonly used in science and breeding, for example in the production of many ornamental plants. Researchers use it when modifying plants. They do this for example when investigating the impact of a particular gene.

Until now, this has only been possible by first stimulating these cells to de-differentiate with plant hormones and then regenerate. However, hormone treatment is species-, genotype- and tissue-specific, meaning it is time-consuming to determine the ideal treatment for a given plant. Many species, particularly edible crops, also regenerate poorly under these conditions. Jana Wittmer, Renze Heidstra and their colleagues at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and KeyGene have now found a way to initiate regeneration without hormones.