Regeneration of plantlets through isolated scutellum culture of durum wheat

Four durum wheat cultivars, viz. 'Renville', 'Medora', 'Monroe' and 'Vic', were selected for studies on rapid regeneration of plantlets through in vitro culture of isolated immature scutella. Effects of two concentrations of sucrose (either 2% or 3%) and three gelling agents, viz, agar (0.8%), agarose (0.8%), and phytagel (0.4%), were studied for callus induction. All cultivars responded to the MS induction medium supplemented with 2 mg/l, 2,4-D, 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar, and initiation of somatic embryogenesis was evident within 2-3 days of culture. The embryogenic calli developed into clusters of small, dense globular somatic embryos within 3-4 weeks of culture and subsequently developed into distinct somatic embryos and plantlets after transfer to the regeneration medium. An average of up to 16 plantlets per cultured scutellum were recovered from two regeneration media studied, i.e. half-strength hormone-free MS medium (for cultivar 'Monroe') and MS medium with BA and IAA (for cultivars 'Renville', 'Medora' and 'Vic'). The plantlets were then transferred to pots in the greenhouse, where they developed into mature, fertile plants.