Diploidization in Haploid Tissue Cultures of Sorghum

Conditions for the effective experimental regulation of ploidy level in regenerants from callus cultures derived from young, undifferentiated leaves and panicles of haploid sorghum were established. Diploidization depended on the ontogenetic age of the explant and the 2,4‐D concentration in the medium. With a low 2,4‐D concentration (0.5 mg/1) and segments of young panicles (< 35 mm long) the cultures produced only haploid regenerants. Diploid plants were formed from cultures derived from more mature panicles ( 35 mm long) and young leaves (15–65 mm long). Under a high 2,4‐D concentration (2.5 mg/1) diploid plants were regenerated from cultures derived from young panicles (less than 35 mm) except the most young ones (5–15 mm). The majority of the diploid regenerants contained mutations, mainly affecting male fertility and plant height.