Abstract
The use of cultured plant cells in either organized or unorganized form has increased vey considerably in the last 10-15 yr. Many new technologies have been developed and applications in both fundamental and applied research have led to the development of some powerful tools for improving our knowledge of botanical systems and for gaining external influence over some of the key processes involved in inter- and intracellular organization. This is particularly the case when cell culture techniques are combined with those for the genetic modification of plant cells. Being able to regenerate whole plants that have gained or lost the expression of one or more specific genes has revolutionized the way in which we approach scientific questions and has opened up many additional possibilities for the molecular dissection of plants. The success or fall of all plant cell culture technologies lies with culture initiation. The choice of plant material, its physiologival state and cultivation history, the media used, and their means of preparation are just some of the factors that can greatly influence whether the desired end result will be achieved. In this article are described some of the practical aspects involved in successful plant cell culture initiation and the choices that have to be made. Attention is given to some of the pitfalls that can occur and how to avoid them. A good start is half the work.