In vitro response of CMS lines and their maintainers in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

In vitro studies were carried out to standardize the hormonal requirement and to determine the best source of explant (seed, leaf and young inflorescence) for callus induction and efficient plant regeneration of CMS lines and their maintainers in Pearl millet. Murashige Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0mg l(-1), 2,4-D (2, 4 - Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) induced maximum callus formation irrespective of explants. MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l(-1) BAP + 0.5 mg l(-1) LAA for shoot formation and 1.0 mg l(-1) IBA + 1.5 mg l(-1) LAA for root formation were superior to other hormonal combinations in terms of regeneration. The maximum response for callus induction for callus and regeneration was obtained from young inflorescence followed by seed. The genotypes 5141A, 5141b and L111B were highly in vitro responsive, L111A was moderate in vitro responsive and 843A and its maintainer line were poor in vitro responsive.