Abstract

An efficient and direct shoot bud differentiation and multiple shoot induction from embryo explants of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) has been achieved. The frequency of shoot bud regeneration was influenced by the type of explant, genotype and concentrations of cytokinin. Explant embryo were cultured on Murashine and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with different concentrations of Benzyl amino purine (BAP). Among the various concentrations tested, 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were found to be the best for maximum shoot bud differentiation. Percentage, as well as the number of shoots per explant showing differentiation of shoot buds was higher on MS media supplement with BAP. The optimal BAP concentration for shoot regeneration was 1.0 mg/l. Elongation of multiple shoots was obtained in MS medium with the concentration 0.4 mg/l gibberillic acid (GA3). The elongated shoots were successfully rooted on MS medium containing different concentrations of auxins. Among them indole buteric acid (IBA) at 1.0 mg/l induced maximum frequency of rooting followed by NAA and indole acetic acid (IAA). Regenerated plants were successfully established in soil where 90 to 95% of them have been developed into morphologically normal and fertile plants. This method can thus be advantageously applied in the production of transgenic pigeon pea plants.

Key words: Tissue culture, redgram, embryo, multiple shoots.