RESUMO
The efficacy of benzyladenine (BA) to induce multiple shoots from seed explants of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was assessed. Shoot differentiation was influenced by the type of seed explant, genotype and concentration of BA. Orientation of the explant also strongly influenced the shoot regeneration response. The optimum BA concentration for shoot/shoot bud regeneration was genotype dependent. Two types of BA-induced response were observed: (1) at less than 7.5 gm BA, direct shoot differentiation (2 to 4-cm-long shoots) was observed within 30 days; (2) at higher BA concentrations (75-100 µM), shoot/shoot bud differentiation was achieved in 45-90 days. A high BA concentration inhibited subsequent rooting of shoots. Roots, however, could be easily induced on shoots derived from <12.5 µM BA. Following transfer to soil, 80% of the regenerants developed into morphologically normal and fertile plants.
RESUMO
Shoot tip explants of 5.chickpea varieties were evaluated for efficiency of rooting using MS basal medium (1/4, 1/2 and full strength). Maximum rooting was observed in 3 varieties when cultured in MS medium with 1/4 strength. Plantlets thus developed, were further cultured in Hoagland solution (1/4 strength) for 15-20 days which enhanced root number and root length. Such plantlets established well in vermiculite/soil.