Premium
Embryogenic Callus Induction and Regeneration in a Pentaploid Hybrid Bermudagrass cv. Tifton 85
Author(s) -
Jain Mukesh,
Chengalrayan Kudithipudi,
Gallo-Meagher Maria,
Mislevy Paul
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci2004.0337
Subject(s) - tifton , biology , somatic embryogenesis , cynodon dactylon , callus , inflorescence , cynodon , botany , horticulture , cultivar , explant culture , agronomy , forage , biochemistry , in vitro
Hybrid bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] cv. Tifton 85 is a major forage grass in the southeastern USA that suffers severe yield losses because of insect damage. A facile, cultivar‐specific regeneration protocol is required to pursue genetic improvement of Tifton 85 for incorporating insect resistance into this valuable forage crop. An efficient regeneration system that uses somatic embryogenesis from immature inflorescences of Tifton 85 has been established. Young, immature inflorescence explants proved to be an excellent source for obtaining embryogenic callus, as opposed to apical meristems and nodal segments. Embryogenic callus with demonstrable morphogenetic competence was obtained on MS basal medium containing 30 g L −1 sucrose, 4 mg L −1 ; 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), 0.01 mg L −1 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 200 mg L −1 casein hydrolysate. The regenerants were rooted on hormone free MS basal medium supplemented with 30 g L −1 sucrose, successfully established in soil under greenhouse conditions, and did not show any phenotypic differences compared with wild‐type Tifton 85 plants.