Effect of Agar Concentration on pH of the Medium and Plantlet Formation in In Vitro Grown Sugarcane Shoots
Abstract
Studies were conducted to investigate agar concentration effects on pH of culture medium, conductivity, rigidity and plantlet formation response in in vitro grown sugarcane shoot cultures. The results revealed a linear relationship between agar concentration and media conductivity whereas spreading radius showed a decreasing trend with increasing agar levels. Media with lower agar concentration were proven to broad changes in pH values due to sterilization (0.65) as well as post sterilization storage (1.13) over higher agar levels. This change was always towards acidity and was further enhanced in presence of sugarcane tissues. Higher conductivity i.e., amount of electolytes added by agar concentrations showed inhibitory effect on root and shoot proliferation. Although plantlet formation was achieved with each agar concentration, optimal rooting and plantlet growth was observed at 0.75% (w/v) agar level giving 6.2 ± 1.7 cm tall uniform plantlets bearing 11.5 ± 4.4 roots within 6 weeks. Plantlet formation was adversely affected upon increasing the agar concentration in the medium.
