High frequency somatic embryogenesis and regeneration in different genotypes of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench from immature inflorescence explants

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study describes a protocol for the induction of high frequency somatic embryogenesis directly from immature inflorescence explants in three sorghum genotypes (SPV-462, SPV-839, and M35-1). The effect of various growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis was investigated. High frequency somatic embrogenesis was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2 mg l−1 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), and addition of 0.5 mg l−1 kinetin (KN) in the medium further improved the formation of somatic embryos per explant in all genotypes. The presence of 1.5 mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine plus 1.0 mg l−1 KN in MS medium was most efficient for maturation and germination of somatic embryos. The genotype SPV-462 performed better than SPV-839 and M35-1 in terms of induction and germination of somatic embryos. Organogenesis also occurred in callus of all genotypes at the frequency of 20–25%. Regenerated plants from somatic embryos were successfully acclimatized in soil in the greenhouse...