Micropropagation : A biotechnological tool for rapid seed multiplication in sugarcane

Micropropagation technique is used for rapid seed multiplication in sugarcane. The axillary shoot pathway is considered to be the safest route for the production of true copies from the mother plant. An efficient protocol for micropropagation of sugarcane from shoot tip explants has been described. Shoot tip explants (1.0-1.5cm in length) were inoculated on agar gelled (8.0 g/l) MS media containing BAP and Kn (0.5mg/l each).Numerous shoot were developed within a month, the culture established is then transferred to the multiplication medium supplemented with BAP, Kn and NAA. Well-elongated and healthy shoots were transferred to half strength MS rooting medium containing 5mg/l NAA and 50g/l sucrose. Several roots were developed from the base of shoots within 12-15 days. Plantlets separated, were kept in bottle containing tap water for the development of secondary roots and then planted in small polythene bags containing soil mixture (soil:sand:compost;1:1:1 ) for 30 least days in a green house. The plantlets were then shifted to shade house for 2-3 weeks. After hardening, the plantlets were field transplanted at 60cm distance in rows 90cm apart.