Abstract:
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an economically important plantation crop in
Sri Lanka. There is a need to identify new vegetative propagation methods for mass scale
production o f commercial varieties o f sugarcane to maintain clonal uniformity. In this
study experiments were carried out to find the proper surface sterilization procedure,
proliferation and rooting media and proper acclimatization process to complete the
micro-propagation cycle for sugarcane auxiliary buds.
Three different concentrations o f Clorox (5.25% NaOCl) (15% (v/v), 20%o (v/v), and 25%
(v/v) with three different time durations (10, 15, 20 min.) were tested for survival
percentage o f in- vitro cultured auxiliary buds o f sugarcane. Explants were established on
MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium transferred to proliferation media with four
different concentrations o f BAP (Benzine Amino Purine) (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 mg/l) and 0.4
mg/l IB A (Indol Butyric Acid). To reduce browning, incorporation o f 0.1 g/l Poly Vinyl
Pyrolidone (PVP) to culture media was also tested. To induce in- vitro rooting, addition o f
1.0 g/l activated charcoal to MS medium with four different concentrations o f IB A (0.5,
1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/l) with 0.2 mg/l BAP were tested. Suitable acclimatization procedure
was tested with different combinations o f sterilized sand and coir dust (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 2:1
and 1: 2) as potting media for the acclimatization o f in vitro derived plantlets.
Results revealed that 25%> (v/v) Clorox for 20 min exposure time was the best surface
sterilization procedure for sugarcane auxiliary buds. MS medium with 1.0 mg/l BAP and
0.4 mg/l IB A gave the highest proliferation rate (1:10) after eight weeks. The
incorporation o f 0.1 g/l PVP to the same medium reduced browning that occurred in the
medium with out effects on shoot proliferation and growth. Highest root initiation rate and
higher number o f roots were observed in MS medium with 1 mg/l IB A, 0.2 mg/l BAP and 1
g/l activated charcoal. The most suitable potting medium for acclimatization o f in vitro
raised plantlets was found to be sand: coir dust at 1:2 ratio in which 100% survival rate
was observed.
