Callus Induction Ability of Anthers in Selected Improved Rice Varieties in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In rice (Oryza sativa L.), anther culture technique is one of the efficient and practically important biotechnological tool to produce haploids in-vitro. The indica sub species of rice has a lower efficiency of haploid plant production compared to japonica sub species. This study examined four indica type Sri Lankan improved rice varieties AT362, BW 272-6b, BW 267-3 and BG379-2 for the high frequency callus induction from cold pre-treated anthers by N6 medium with three different growth regulator combinations. The varieties were selected based on the yield and other desirable characters such as grain quality, tolerance to iron toxicity, resistance to pest and disease etc. which could be used in rice breeding to incorporate desirable characters. Panicles were cold pre treated at 10°C for 7 days and anthers were cultured in agar solidified three modified N6 culture media. Significant variations were observed with respect to callus induction among the four Sri Lankan improved cultivars tested in relation to callus percentage of anthers forming calli (callus induction frequency) through anther culture. Calli were formed in varieties AT362, BW 272-6b, BW 267-3, and BG379-2.The highest callus induction frequency (6.67) observed in variety BG379-2, which was different from other three callus forming varieties (Table 2).A11 rice varieties had higher callus initiation ability in N6 medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/1 of 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/1 of Kinetin.