Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Immature Embryo Derived Callus of Inbred Maize (Zea mays L.)

The present study was carried out to develop protocol in which plants could be regenerated with easy and in high numbers from tissue cultures of maize. The tissues of immature embryos were tested in three inbred lines (CML-161, CML-323, CML-327) MS and N6 were used. In N6 medium, the range of embryogenic calli formation was varied from 56.33-72.0%. The results indicated that the highest amount 72.0% was obtained when N6 was supplemented with L-proline 2.3 gm l-1, Casein Hydrolysate 200 mg l-1 and 2,4-D 1.0 mg l-1. Where as in MS medium the embryogenic calli formation was varied from 39.0-68.66%. In this case the highest amount (68.66) was obtained where MS was supplemented with L-Asparagine 150 mg l 1, Thiamin 50 mg l-1 and 2,4-D 1 mg l-1. Plants were regenerated successfully from embryogenic callus in hormone free MS medium. The results showed that MS (52.83-61.0%) medium was found better than N6 (35.66-42.49%). The mode of somatic embryogenesis was studied using histological technique.