A signal generator for electrofusion of plant protoplasts

Abstract An electrical signal generator for electrofusion of plant protoplasts is described. The generator is capable of delivering an adjustable voltage waveform with the following variable characteristics: ac alignment frequency, 0.15-1 MHz; ac alignment voltage, 0–12 V rms ; pre-fusion alignment duration, 1–99 s; dc fusion pulse, 0–400 V; fusion pulse duration, 0.01–10 ms; post-fusion delay; 0.1–100 ms; and post-fusion ac voltage duration, 1–9.9 s. An example of the system successfully applied in the fusion of protoplasts of Medicago sativa is presented.