Whole Plant Regenerartion from Caryopsis and Immature Inflorescence derived Callus of Finger Millet

Two explants, immature inflorescence and caryopsis of two varieties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) viz., CO 9 and CO 13 were cultured in MS medium with different growth regulator combinations to find out the suitable explant and culture media for efficient plant regeneration. The following media were found to be suitable for different stages of culture: For callus induction, MS + 2,4-D 2.0 mg/l + Kn 0.25 mg/l; For callus proliferation, MS + 2,4-D 0.4 mg/l and MS + 2,4-D 0.4 mg/l + Kn 0.2 mg/l; For shoot regeneration, MS + 2,4-D 0.1 mg/l + Kn 0.6 mg/l; For root induction in differentiating shoots, MS + NAA 0.5 mg/l. Among the two explants, caryopsis was found to respond more favourably for in vitro culture compared to immature inflorescence. CO 9 was found to give a better response for callus induction and regeneration than CO 13.