In vitro responses of ten indica rice genotypes for callus induction

Abstract

Genetic modification approach can supplement crop improvement programs in a long run for
nutritional and national food security. Generation of rigid and compact embryogenic callus is an
essential and primary step for any kind of transformation and genetic modification in rice. Indica
rice varieties are known to be recalcitrant to tissue culture regeneration and choosing a suitable
genotype for callus induction has significant importance in rice genetic transformation and
regeneration. In this study we had evaluated the callus induction potentials of ten indica rice varieties.
Results showed that popular varieties like Swarna (53.3%) and Samba Mahsuri (50%) have highest
callus induction frequencies followed by Nagina-22 (40%). Rest of the genotypes showed
comparatively less callus induction frequency ranging from (20%-36.6%). There were no significant
differences in callus induction efficiency between the replications and the genotypes. Using Duncan's
multiple ranking the ten genotypes were ranked as per the callus induction efficiency for future
transformation studies.