Induction of somatic embryogenesis in different varieties of sugarcane (Saccharam officinarum L.)

Abstract

This investigation for the first time highlights TDZ induced callus formation, somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration using leaf explants of different varieties (Co94032,CoC671, Co86032, SNK754, SNK61 and SNK44) of sugarcane (Saccharam officinarum). Leaf explants cultured on the full strength inorganic salts Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium supplemented with 4.52 μM 2, 4-D and 4.54 μM TDZ induced embryogenic tissue after 3-4 weeks. The percentage of somatic embryogenesis was not similar in all the tested varieties of sugarcane. This study indicates a high embryogenic potential of leaf explants of tested sugarcane varieties, and also opened up the possibility for large-scale clonal propagation of sugarcane for the genetic improvement programmes.