Effects of cytokinins, carbohydrates and amino acids on induction and maturation of somatic embryos in kodo millet (Paspalum scorbiculatum Linn.)

The effects of cytokinins, carbohydrates and amino acids were studied on maturation and regeneration of embryogenic callus (EC) in kodo millet (Paspalum scorbiculatum Linn.) using a two-step culture procedure. The highest percentage (87.6%) of EC induction was obtained in the induction medium containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts supplemented with 9.0 mu M 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 2.25 mu M kinetin. This EC was subcultured in the maturation medium for somatic embryo (SE) maturation and plantlet formation. Addition of cytokinins, carbohydrates and amino acids in the maturation medium promoted the SE maturation and plantlet formation. The maturation medium containing MS basal salts amended with 4.50 mu M thidiazuron, 120 mM maltose and 200 mu M l-proline gave the maximum number of SEs (39.4) and plantlets (31.3). Plantlets were successfully grown to maturity after hardening in the soil.