An Improved Method for Shoot Regeneration from Calli of Indica Rice (Basmati)

Shoot regeneration from calli of indica rice remains a hinting factor for undertaking transformation experiments. In this study, callus cultures were initiated from seeds of Basmati 370, Basmati 385 and Basmati 6129. A 2,4-0 concentration at 2 mg/I was found to be suitable for callus induction in Basmati 370 and Basmati 385 and was 3 mg/I for Basrnati 6129 in N6 medium. Callus induction frequency ranged from 23.1%-100% for Basmati 370, 73-100% for Basmati 385 and 40-100% for Basmati 6129. Inclusion of Benzyl antiparine (BAP) in callus induction medium has a negative effect for the frequency of callus induction and callus growth. Shoot regeneration was obtained from calti in Basmati varieties between 40%-55.7% in MS medium with 3% sucrose, 3% sorbitol, 2g/I casamino acids, 5 mg/I BAP, 1 mg/I Naphthalie acetic acid (NAA) and 4 g/I gelrite. A maximum shoot regeneration was found in Basmati 370, Regeneration frequency was increased 2-7 folds by the addition of sorbitol and gelrite.