Seed Rhizome Induction During in vitro Organogenesis of Bambusa bambos var. gigantea Bennet and Gaur

摘要

In vitro precocious induction of rhizomes in seeds/caryopses termed as rhizomatous seeds is reported in the present study. Experiments were done on seeds of Bambusa bambos var. gigantea on modified MS basal medium containing reduced ammonium nitrate and 5% sucrose. Medium with or without growth regulators (BAP, GA3 and NAA, used individually) showed no rhizomatous seed formation. BAP (2.5 uM to 10.0 uM) with or without GA3 (0.1 uM) and NAA (50.0 uM) formed rhizomatous seeds after four weeks when naturally it occurs in 9-12 months in this variety. Direct and indirect rhizome induction involving callus were observed. Highest precocious rhizome induction was on 7.5 uM BAP with 0.1 uM GA3 and 50.0 uM NAA. Rhizome multiplication was also observed on 5.0uM BAP, 0.1 uM GA3 and 50.0 uM NAA. Plantlets from rhizomatous seeds were formed on half strength MS basal medium with 2% sucrose with successful transfer and establishment on soil: sand: manure (1:1:1) mixture in a span of two months. In vitro precocious rhizomatous seeds substantially reduce the natural gestation period for rhizome development in this variety is demonstrated in the present work.