High frequency shoot regeneration from cotyledonary node explants of different lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) genotypes and in vitro micrografting

Shoot regeneration capacities of 21 different lentil genotypes were tested on MS medium containing 0.225 muM thidazuron (TDZ) using cotyledonary node explants. It was observed that 0.225 muM TDZ contributed positively in multiple shoot regeneration from cotyledonary node based calli. The highest frequency of shoot regeneration (20.6 shoots/explants) was achieved from Akm 362 genotype. Regenerated shoots were excised and cultured in MS medium supplemented with 1.25 muM IBA for rooting. However, root formation was not achieved on most of the regenerated shoots. To overcome this problem, regenerated shoots of seven most promising genotypes were micrografted on 3-4 days old root stocks of cultivar Kayi 91 successfully. Micrografted plantlets were acclimatized to ambient conditions and later established under greenhouse conditions.