In vitro regeneration and induction of multiple shooting in Cicer arietinum L. using cotyledonary nodal explants

Chickpea, a temperate crop, is the world’s third most important pulse crop and India produces 75% of world’s supply. The two most common types of Chickpea are the white-seeded " Kabuli " and the " Desi "variety. In vitro regeneration was achieved using cotyledonary nodal explants using desi variety seeds of cultivar K850 of Cicer arietinum . The multiple shoot induction was observed with various concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. The maximum proliferation was found at 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The effectiveness was observed at various combinations. Maximum efficiency of multiple shooting was obtained at 0.5 mg/L BAP and 0.05 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4D). For root induction, well developed shoots were transferred into rooting medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); maximum response was found at concentrations 0.10 and 0.50 mg/L, respectively. Successful rooting was recorded on media supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IBA. The well rooted plants were transferred into the soil. Key words: Explants, multiple shooting, phytohormones and acclimatization. Abbreviation: BAP , 6- Benzylaminopurine; KIN, kinetin; 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid; NAA, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid; IBA, indole-3-butyric acid; IAA, indole-3-acetic acid