Callus induction percent from anthers of rice declined with increase in NaCl upto 10.0 g/1 in the induction medium. The loss of callus induction percentage was reduced when E24 (modified B5) basic medium with only 5.0 g NaCl/1 (B level of salt) was used. Green plant regeneration up to 24.0 and 19.0% in 2.5 and 5.0 g NaCl/1 respectively, was observed with stress at the induction phase. Plant regeneration efficiency increased to a highest of 52% (28% green+24% albino plantlets) by post-induction stress of 5.0 g NaCl/1 to the callus. A stress for short period (1-week) at the post-induction phase resulted in improved regeneration at a cone. of 7.5 g NaCl/1, but a lower conc./dose required more time (2-week) to produce a larger number of regenerants. Irrespective of dose, induction stress resulted in a fewer albino plantlets (6%), whereas post-induction stress showed a high incidence of albino plantlets. Sodium chloride proved to be an effective agent for enhanced embryogenesis and plant regeneration.
