XVI International Botanical Congess

Cereal grain crops hold a prominent place among the food crops of the world. The kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L. ) an important food crop, has been regarded as a principal source of carbohydrate, protein and minerals in human and animal diet. Development of a regeneration protocol becomes a prerequisite for crop improvement. Hence we developed a good reproducible protocol towards the genetic improvement of this crop. Dehusked mature seeds were directly inoculated on callus induction medium containing MS basal salts, organic addenda and different concentration of 2, 4-Dichlorphenoxy acetic acid. 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D was found optimal for callus induction. After one month the calli were subcultured in the same medium and were regenerated in MS basal medium supplemented with various combinations of growth regulators Viz. Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NA) and Benzyleaminopurine, (BAP). High frequency of regeneration (100%) was observed in a range of hormone concentrations of BAP (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/lit) and/or with NAA (0.1 to 0.5 mg/lit). The well-developed plantlets were rooted and elongated on MS basal medium. The completely developed plantlets were hardened and successfully transplanted to soil.