In vitro Regeneration of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) through Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

The present research work was carried out employing gamma irradiation to create mutant Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and in vitro regeneration to regenerate those mutants. Sugarcane buds were exposed to three doses of gamma radiation (20, 30 and 40Gy) using 60Co and the agronomical properties of 20 Gy irradiated mutant sugarcane were the best among these dosages. Furthermore, 20 Gy irradiated mutant sugarcane had higher sugar contents (22%) than control sugarcane (18%). In contrast, standardizing of callus induction and plantlet regeneration protocols from 20 Gy irradiated sugarcane plants (M1 generation) was established through in vitro culture using young meristem as an explant. Using various concentrations and combinations of growth regulators, shoot regeneration at varying frequency was recorded. In MS media enriched with 2.5 mg/l, 2-4 D, callus induction was detected. On MS medium with BAP 2.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L, the best response in terms of multiple shoot induction was reported. Rooting was more profuse when in vitro shootlets were placed on halfstrength MS basal media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L NAA. Hardening shoots were transplanted into the green house after they had been rooted.