Somatic embryogenesis induction from immature embryos of Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)

In this study, we established an in vitro regeneration system from immature embryos of four varieties of Sweet Sorghum with biotechnological potential. A total of 17 treatments were assesses in the induction of somatic embryogenic calli. We analyzed the effect of Murashige y Skoog media supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators such as auxins and cytokinins. The callus induction response was evaluated using three immature embryos development stages and based on the number of embryos with callus induction. Different responses were observed in the embryos depending of the embryo age, culture condition, media composition and variety. The results showed that embryos of the middle stage had the best response in terms of calli induction. Interestingly, more embryos responded to calli induction in light presence. Complex media showed better response that minimal media to callus induction, media complemented with 4 to 6 mg/L of 2,4-D combined with 1 mg/L of BAP were more efficient to callus induction. With respect to variety, the best response to callus induction was obtained with Atlas variety, followed by Keller and Kansas, whereas Fortuna variety had lower response. In this work also, it was obtained an efficient culture medium to shoots development because until 90% of calli response to shoots regeneration. This study reports relevant information to tissue culture protocols that can be used in cereals in vitro cultivation as tool for biotechnological applications.