IN VITRO PLANT REGENERATION OF SUGARCANE (Saccharum officinarum L.); THE INFLUENCE OF VARIETY, EXPLANT, EXPLANT POSITION AND GROWTH REGULATORS

Different sugarcane varieties (CP 77/400, CP 85/1491 and Punjabi) were checked for its callus induction and regeneration capabilities using different growth regulators and explants (eye bud, upper portion of inner leaf whorls and lower portion of inner leaf whorls). Seven callus induction media i.e. CIM-1 to CIM-6 and control media, five shoot induction media i.e. SIM-1 to SIM-4 and control media were used. All the varieties showed best results in terms of callus induction on CIM-6 (5 mg L-1,4.D + 10% Coconut water) with all the selected explants but the most promising results were observed using lower portion of inner leaf whorls. However CP 77/400 resulted in maximum callus induction (77.403%) on CIM-6 using lower portion of inner leaf whorls. Calli with different morphological characteristics were observed. Whitish/compact calli was observed using eye bud and upper portion of inner leaf whorls as explant while lower portion of inner leaf whorls gave yellowish/friable calli. The calli induced from different explant were subjected to regeneration media. Amongst these calli, the calli induced from lower portion of inner leaf whorls responded efficiently to regeneration in all the varieties. However the best result was observed in CP 77/400 i.e. (46.665%). The regenerated shoots were subjected to root induction media (1⁄2 MS media + 3.5 mg L-1NAA). All the varieties showed efficient root induction however maximum root induction was observed in variety CP 77/400.