AN EFFICIENT PROTOCOL FOR LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION OF SUGARCANE THROUGH MICROPROPAGATION

A rapid propagation and acclimatization response of two different varieties of sugarcane (CP 77,400 and BL-4) was obtained in this study. The shoot apical meristem of different sizes was cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP and kinetin either alone or in combination with each other or GA3. Best shoot formation response in CP 77,400 was obtained on MS medium containing 1.5mg/l BAP while in BL-4 the combination of 0.5 mg/l BAP with 0.25 mg/l Kinetin showed best shoot formation response from apical meristem. Meristem of 3.0 mm size proved to be the best size for micropropagation of sugarcane. Excellent multiplication response of In vitro formed shoots was obtained when the concentration of BAP was decreased to 1.0 mg/l in CP 77, 400 and 0.25 mg/l BAP & Kin in BL-4 (i.e. 0.25 mg/lBAP + 0.25 mg/l Kinetin. MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l NAA and 2.0 mg/l IBA showed 100 % rooting response of In vitro regenerated shoots of both the varieties of sugarcane within eight days of inoculation. Best hardening response was obtained in Sand+ Soil + Peat (1:1:1) after three week of transplantation in glass house.