OPTIMIZATION OF REGENERATION PROTOCOLS FOR WHEAT UNDER DROUGHT AND SALT STRESS

Responses of the wheat genotype 'Faisalabad-2008' to plant regeneration using immature embryos and in vitro drought and salt stress tolerance were investigated. For this study immature embryos 15 DAP (Days After Pollination) were used and after 6 weeks healthy calli were transferred to media containing variable concentrations of NaCl (0, 5, 10, and 15g/L) and drought stress intensities using PEG 6000 (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (w/v)). The findings suggested that the embryogenic capacity of callus depended on concentrations of exogenous hormones and the genetic makeup of the genotype. Faisalabad-2008 showed good callus induction and ability to proliferate and regenerate seedlings under drought and salt stress conditions. This study will serve as a guide line in future for in vitro screening of wheat varieties for their regeneration ability using indirect methods. Further establishment of in-vitro screening protocols for abiotic stress tolerance will facilitate screening of genotypes during early developmental stages.