Optimization of an Efficient Rapid Regeneration of Indian Wheat Cultivars by Callus Induction and Multiple Shoot Induction using Mature Embryos

Wheat is the second most produced staple food crop in world. An efficient method for in vitro micro propagation and genetic transformation of wheat are crucial for both basic and applied research. The present study was initiated with a view to develop a regeneration system in 4 genotypes of wheat cultivars HD2888, HD2329, DBW148, and DBW88 as a prerequisite to transformation. The mature embryos were excised from seeds and cultured on MS medium supplemented with high and low concentrations of cytokinins and auxins respectively. Callus induction was prominent with 4mg/L 2,4D with HD2888. The regeneration system was optimised and was prominent with 1mg/L kinetin by slowly reducing the concentration of 2,4D to 2mg/L. The MS medium containing 2 mg/L N6 -benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5mg/L 2,4-D was found to be effective for multiple shoot formation in HD2932 cultivar that could produce 7 shoots per explants. The elongated shoots were separated and successfully rooted on half MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) Callus mediated regeneration took approximately 36 days to regenerate where as multile shoot mediated regeneration took 20 days. Further studies will be taken up to check the transformation efficiency by transforming the desired gene through Agrobacterium mediated protocols.