In vitro selection for Fusariutn wilt resistance in fire cracker (Crossandra undulealia folia Selisb)

The influence of fusaric acid, a non-specific toxin produced by Fusarium was tried for germination of fire cracker of (Crossandra undulae folia Selisb) seeds and for induction, maintenance and regeneration of callus. The sensitivity to the fusaric acid depending upon the callus line. Regeneration ability of the callus decreased tremendously after the callus had been selected on the medium containing 0.5mm fusaric acid. When the selected calli were transferred to regeneration selection medium, their survival and regeneration were lower man their corresponding controls. These results indicated mat the two steps of callus and regeneration selection were not practical. The results of mis experiment may provide information on the methods of selection of new wilt resistant crossandra line through somoclonal-induced variation.