Plant Regeneration from Immature Embryos and Somaclonal Variation in Wheat

Immature embroys of five wheat genotypes namely, HD2009, Kh375, C591, C306 and WH147 were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D, 2, 4, 5-T or NAA to raise callus cultures. Callus induction rate was higher under dark conditions. In general, 2, 4-D supported good callus induction but genotype HD2009 responded better on 2, 4, 5-T. HD2009 showed maximum regeneration potential with 2, 4, 5-T while 2, 4-D was effective for rest of the genotypes. Callus induced in diffused light showed better regeneration potential in C591. Regeneration potential of calli declined after 5–6 subcultures, however, regeneration in all the genotypes could be induced with IAA (0.2 mg/L) and BA (1.0 mg/L) in the medium. The efficiency of callus induction, maintenance of vigour during subculturing and regeneration potential were influenced by genotype, media composition and light. Among the regenerated plants somaclonal variation was maximum in HD2009. Other genotypes did not show much variation. R₆ Plants of HD2009 showed variation for ear size and number of florets per spikelet. 2, 4, 5-T was more efficient in inducing somaclonal variation.