PLANT REGENERATION FROM IMMATURE EMBRYO-DERIVED CALLUS OF BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.): EFFECT OF AUXINS AND CYTOKININS

Embryogenic callus was induced from culturing immature embryos of three barley cvs. Dissa, Golden Promise and Igri. Maximum embryogenic callus formation was achieved by culturing immature embryos on CC and LS medium containing 2 mg/litre and 2.5 mg/litre 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) respectively. Embryogenic calli were frequently produced distinguished somatic embryos on these medium. Highest frequency of somatic embryo’s germination was occurred on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/litre kinetin and 3% glucose in cv. Dissa. This medium also induced regeneration in the calli of cv. Golden Promise and Igri. The age of callus also influenced regeneration with high frequencies occurring after 6 wk in culture. Subsequently, plant regeneration was achieved by transferring germinated somatic embryos on hormone-free MS medium. It indicated that plant regeneration was achieved via somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis. Plants regenerated from immature embryos were grown to maturity in soil.