In Vitro Regeneration of Mat Sedge (Cyperus pangorei Rottb)

Abstract

An in vitro protocol was developed for regeneration of Cyperus pangorei that may supplement enough raw materials for the mat weaving community. Callus was initiated from inflorescence explants on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with 5 and 10 μM each of 2, 4-D, 2, 4, 5-T and CPA. Development of numerous de novo spikelets from immature inflorescence explants grown in (10 μM) 2, 4, 5-T was observed. MS with 5 μM Kn and 100 ml l−1 Coconut milk (CM) promoted shoot regeneration from calli. Calli from 2,4-D and CPA medium sub-cultured on medium containing 5 μM BAP, 5 μM Kn, 1 μM IAA and 100 ml l−1 CM produced extensive and rapid rhizogenesis with wiry and scaly roots. Micropropagation using rhizome buds on MS medium with BAP, Kn and Zeatin at 10 μM concentrations resulted in shoot release and multiplication by breaking the bud dormancy. An average of 10 shoots per explant was produced in 10 μM BAP, whereas (10 μM) Kn and (10 μM) Zeatin induced only single shoot formation. The shoots were transferred to rooting media comprising 10 μM IAA with 1 μM BAP or Kn and then acclimatized. The results accomplished were found to be useful in developing a complete in vitro regeneration protocol towards the mass production of Cyperus species, which may provide a basis for further genetic improvements that may prove its use as an alternative natural fibre resource in commercial applications.