title: Protocol: optimisation of a grafting protocol for oilseed rape (Brassica napus) for studying long-distance signalling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Grafting is a well-established technique for studying long-distance transport and signalling processes in higher plants. While oilseed rape has been the subject of comprehensive analyses of xylem and phloem sap to identify macromolecules potentially involved in long-distance information transfer, there is currently no standardised grafting method for this species published.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We developed a straightforward collar-free grafting protocol for Brassica napus plants with high reproducibility and success rates. Micrografting of seedlings was done on filter paper. Grafting success on different types of regeneration media was measured short-term after grafting and as the long-term survival rate (>14 days) of grafts after the transfer to hydroponic culture or soil.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We compared different methods for grafting B. napus seedlings. Grafting on filter paper with removed cotyledons, a truncated hypocotyl and the addition of low levels of sucrose under long day conditions allowed the highest grafting success. A subsequent long-term hydroponic cultivation of merged grafts showed highest survival rates and best reproducibility.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Plant Genetics, University Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ostendorp
authors.affiliation: Molecular Plant Genetics, University Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pahlow
authors.affiliation: Molecular Plant Genetics, University Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deke
authors.affiliation: Molecular Plant Genetics, University Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thieß
authors.affiliation: Molecular Plant Genetics, University Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3617-9981
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kehr
keywords: Brassica napus; Grafting; Hydroponic culture; Micrografting; Rootstock; Scion