Efficient somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from shoot apex explants of different Indian genotypes of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.)

An efficient somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration system was developed from shoot apex explants of finger millet, Eleusine coracana. Eight genotypes, CO 7, CO 9, CO 13, CO 14, GPU 26, GPU 28, GPU 45, and GPU 48, were assessed in this study. The maximum somatic embryogenic induction, at 98.6%, was obtained from explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 18.0 mu M dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.3 mu M kinetin. The highest number of shoot induction (26) was observed after transfer of embryonic callus to regeneration medium supplemented with 4.5 mu M thidiazuran and 4.6 mu M kinetin. Significant differences were observed between genotypes for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. GPU 45 gave the best response, while CO 7 was the least responsive under the culture conditions tested in this study. Regenerated plants were successfully rooted and grown to maturity after hardening in soil.