Optimum Protocol for Shoot Formation in karandafi Red Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i> (L.) Moench) through Somatic Embryogenesis Using Mature Embryo

Abstract

In this study , an optimum protocol for shoot formation through somatic embryogenesis using mature embryo explants was developed. Calli were initiated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with varying concentration of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyl acetic acid (2,4-D) ranging from 1.5 mg/l - 4.0 mg/l alone or in combination with 0.5 mg/l Kinetin (KN). Significance difference (p < 0.05) was observed among the different concentrations of hormone used for callus induction. The highest percentage callus formation was obtained from the media fortified with 4 mg/l 2, 4-D for mature embryo obtained from imbibed seed while for the preconditioned mature embryo, the media supplemented with 2 m/l 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l kinetin (KN) recorded more percentage callus formation compared to what was obtained from the media supplemented with 2.5 mg/l2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l. More percentage shoot formation was obtained from the media supplemented with 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). Average number of shoot per callus was also more in the media fortified with 1 mg/l BA (2.25) but this was not significantly different from what was obtained from the media fortified with 2 mg/l BA+ 0.1 mg/l 2,4-D at 5% level of significance .