Differential in vitro Response of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Genotypes for Callogenesis

Six genotypes of sugarcane namely BO147, BO146, BO110, CoP9301, BO130 and BO91 were analyzed for their in vitro responses. Scaly leaf culture of all the cultivars on the medium MS basal + 2, 4-D (3.0 mgl-1) + 5% sucrose resulted in callogenesis including embryogenic callus. The highest frequency of callus formation was found in the cultivar, BO147 (94.4%) whereas lowest in the cultivar, CoP9301 (58.33%). The excellent growth of callus was observed in the cultivar, BO147, while poorest in the cultivar, CoP9301. Different colour of callus, greenish cream, brownish cream, whitish cream, brownish and creamish yellow was observed in the different cultivars. The highest frequency of cultures showing embryogenic callus formation was found in cultivar, BO147 (70.58) whereas the lowest in CoP9301 (28.57). Cytological study of the embryogenic callus showed metabolically active meristemoid regions which may lead to organogenesis. A genotypic difference for in vitro responses was found in the six selected cultivars with BO147 showing the best response and CoP9301 the lowest. Thus, the sugarcane cultivars showed differential response under in vitro conditions suggesting development of specific callus induction protocol for individual genotype.