Optimization of Media and Gamma Rays Conditions for Somatic Embryogenesis in Basmati Rice

An attempt was made to characterize the effects of different media in combination with gamma rays for somatic embryogenesis in Basmati rice cv. Basmati 370. Among LS, MS, N6 and B5 media modified with different concentrations of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), indoleacetic acid (IAA) and napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), MS and LS medium yielded similar callus induction frequency (65% and 63% respectively) when supplemented with 2, 4-D, 2.0 mg l-1. Of the six radiation doses applied to embryogenic calli, 4.0 kR of gamma rays stimulated the somatic embryogenesis thereby exhibiting 80% regeneration frequency in MS regeneration medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l-1 Kinetin and 1.0 mg l-1 NAA as compared to non-irradiated embryogenic calli which showed 64% regeneration frequency in the same regeneration medium. The proposed studies revealed that integrated use of in vitro techniques coupled with induced mutations could effectively be used to enhance somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in rice.