Anther culture potential of indica rice varieties, kurulu thuda and bg 250

Abstract

The anther culture ability of two local indica rice varieties were evaluated by anther plating on N6 and SK-I callus induction media. The traditional rice variety, Kurulu Thuda displayed good anther culture potential with a callus induction frequency of 17.2%. Anthers most suitable for culture were those bear ing bi-nucleate pollen. Anther response was relatively poor in the new improved variety, Bg 250 (1.4%). Callus induction was nearly three times higher on N6 medium than on SK-I medium in var. Kurulu Thuda. Shoot regeneration was achieved in var. Kurulu Thuda on SK-II medium, but only from callus induced on N6 medium. From a total of 115 calli transferred from N6 to regeneration medium shoot development occurred in 7 calli, thus limiting the overall anther culture efficiency. Of the calli with morphogenetic competence, 5 gave rise to albino shoots and 2 produced green shoots. After root devel opment the green plantlets were potted in soil. Plant regeneration could not be observed from callus induced in var. Bg 250.