Optimization of protocol for callus induction and whole plant regeneration for developing somaclonal variants in sugarcane cv. COC 671

Abstract

The present study was carried out to optimize in vitro callus induction protocol and whole plant regeneration for developing red rot resistant somaclones in commercial sugarcane variety COC 671 using immature leaf sheaths as explants. In the whole experiment, the best medium for callus induction was MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (2.0 mg/l) recorded callus induction frequency of 100 per cent in eight days with a maximum callus fresh weight of 13.08 g/10 calli. The compact and friable embryogenic calli were regenerated in MS medium supplemented with KIN (1.0 mg/l) producing 21 shoots in 10 days with a shoot length of 8.69 cm. The well grown shoots were rooted in MS medium supplemented with NAA at 3.0 mg/L with 9 roots in 9 days which had an average root length of 3.63 cm. The regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimated under field conditions. This protocol would further be used for developing red rot resistant somaclonal variants in sugarcane. Keywords: Sugarcane, red rot, somaclonal variants, callus induction, regeneration