Adventitious shoot regeneration and protoplast isolation and culture were examined from leaf explants
of in vitro shoot cultures of several cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) cultivars, sourced from
Europe and Australia, was investigated with the aim to develop improved nuclear and plastid
transformation protocols for this vegetable crop. Eight out of 10 cultivars regenerated shoots from at least
79% of leaf explants. Mesophyll protoplasts from leaves gave high yields and division frequencies. Growth
of shoot cultures in large glass vessels with vented lids was the key factor in obtaining high protoplast
division frequencies of up to 71% and at least 70% of protoplast calluses regenerating shoots.