Callus induction and regeneration of local varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L)

Meena Kumari^a*& H.P.Shama^a
*^aLaboratory of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Dept. of Botany, R.U., Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Received, 24^th November; 2013 ;Revised: 15th January. 2014

Abstract : There are large numbers of local varieties in the state of Jharkhand which grow readily without much input and carry many important traits. Despite superior qualities these varieties are under sheer negligence due to introduction of high yielding varieties. It is apprehended that our valuable local varieties will be lost for ever if some measures are not undertaken timely. Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect and to encourage the cultivation of local varieties of rice amongst the local farmers before it is too late. In these perspectives biotechnology could be instrumental in qualitative and quantitative improvement of local rice varieties as tradition plain breeding has its own limitations. In the present study four local varieties; Goda Dhan, Pasara, Senegal Baba and Karhani have been taken which are purely local varieties grown and consumed by ethnic communities residing in the Jharkhand state. These varieties have been put in cultural conditions to screen their callus induction and regeneration potentials to screen their morphogenic potentials, so that they may be identified for rice improvement programme through genetic manipulation. The variety Karhani proved to be best variety in terms of callus induction and regeneration frequencies from seed accounting 55and 90%, respectively. Other varieties; Senegal Baba (70% and 85%), Pasara (50 and 60%) and Goda Dhan (55 and 63%) show decreasing orders for callusing and regeneration. The responses are based on genotype of rice varieties.