In vitro morphogenetic responses as influenced by growth regulators in sugarcane variety CoS 97264

A protocol has been described for in vitro micropropagation of CoS 97264, a high yielding variety of sugarcane. Shoot tip explants were inoculated on agar gelled (8.0 gjl) MS medium containing various concentrations of BAP and Kinetin alone or in combinations. The results showed that the presence of a cytokinin in the medium was necessary for enhanced shoot proliferation from the inoculated explants. The highest frequency of culture establishment (72.2%) was recorded in presence of BAP in combination with Kinetin (0.5 mgjleach). The established shoot cultures were transferred on MS liquid medium fortified with various concentrations of BAP, Kn, NAA and GA₃ for further multiplication. The highest rate of multiplication, in terms of number of shoots per culture (25.3 shoots), was obtained on medium containing BAP, Kinetin and NAA (0.5 mgjl each) followed by 21.6 shoots per culture on the medium supplemented with BAP, Kinetin, NAA and GA₃ (0.5 mgjl each). The actively growing shoots were transferred on 1/2 strength MS rooting medium supplemented with various concentrations of NAA and sucrose for root development. Maximum 91.3 percent shoots developed vigorous roots on medium containing 5.0 mg/l of NAA along with 50 g/l of sucrose. The well rooted plantlets were thoroughly washed with tap water and transplanted in small polyethylene bags containing a soil mixture comprising of soil, sand and compost (2:1:1) and hardened for 30–45 days under green house condition. The hardened plantlets were transplanted in the field which established in soil and grew normally. Conclusively, sugarcane variety CoS 97264 can efficiently be micropropagated using the hormone levels showing optimum responses inthe present study.