In vitro regeneration and induction of multiple shooting in Cicer arietinum L. using cotyledonary nodal explants

Abstract

Chickpea, a temperate crop, is the world’s third most important pulse crop and India produces 75% of world’s supply. The two most common types of Chickpea are the white-seeded "Kabuli" and the "Desi "variety. In vitro regeneration was achieved using cotyledonary nodal explants using desi variety seeds of cultivar K850 of Cicer arietinum. The multiple shoot induction was observed with various concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. The maximum proliferation was found at 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The effectiveness was observed at various combinations. Maximum efficiency of multiple shooting was obtained at 0.5 mg/L BAP and 0.05 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4D). For root induction, well developed shoots were transferred into rooting medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); maximum response was found at concentrations 0.10 and 0.50 mg/L, respectively. Successful rooting was recorded on media supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IBA. The well rooted plants were transferred into the soil.

Key words: Explants, multiple shooting, phytohormones and acclimatization.

Abbreviation: BAP, 6-Benzylaminopurine; KIN, kinetin; 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid; NAA, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid; IBA, indole-3-butyric acid; IAA, indole-3-acetic acid