Callus Induction and Sub-culturing in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Basic Strategy

Hypocotyls explants excised from two in-vitro grown sesame species i.e., Sesamum indicum and Sesamum mulayanum were inoculated for callus induction on MS media supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of NAA, 2,4-D, kinetin, AgNo₃ and BAP. MS with 0.5 mg/l NAA, 1.5 mg/l kinetin and 1.5 mg/l BAP was found to be effective for callus induction from hypocotyls. After 30–40 days of inoculation, embryo like structures were formed in hypocotyl derived callus on above-mentioned concentrations of media. Light green, healthy and moderately compact callus obtained from the hypocotyl segment/s of sub-culturing for two cycles was taken as small pieces of 1.5 x 1.5 cm² (no cutting) were inoculated to MS basal media supplemented with different combinations of NAA (1 to 3 mg/l), BAP (1 to 4 mg/l), AgNO_3- (5 to 25 μM) and TDZ (1 to 40 μM). Two to three callus pieces were inoculated per flask/bottles and were replicated at least three times for each concentration and the sub-culturing was successful for at least 3–4 generation.