High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature inflorescence cultures of two Indian cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis and subsequent plant regeneration were obtained from immature inflorescence segments of two cultivars ofSorghum bicolor L. Moench. Callus was induced on Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2 mg/l) and zeatin (0.1 mg/l). Transfer of calli to Murashige and Skoog medium alone or with reduced level of auxins with or without cytokinins resulted in the production of somatic embryos and plantlets. The combination of a cytokinin with Triiodobenzoic acid promoted the highest number of somatic embryoids. The best response was obtained from inflorescences 10–25 mm in length. Regenerated plants were transferred to field for further evaluation.