Abstract

Multiple shoot induction and plantlets regeneration ability from nodal explants of two indigenous cultivars of Cicer arietinum was investigated on MS+B5 medium supplemented with different concentration of Benzyl amino purine (BAP). Data were taken on shoot and root initiation, numbers, length (cm) and percent shooting for both varieties. Shoot initiation was best achieved on lower concentration (3 and 5 µM) while high concentration of BAP delayed shoot initiation in explants of both cultivars. Maximum shoot numbers per plant were recorded on higher BAP concentration (7 µM) while further increase in concentration was sub-optimal. BAP 3 and 5 µM produced maximum shoot (88 and 89%) in both cultivars. The shoot regenerated was further multiplied by sub-culturing on fresh medium. For root induction the elongated plantlets were transferred to MS media supplemented with different concentrations of IBA and NAA. Early rooting, maximum root numbers and root length were observed on IBA 2.5 µM and IBA 2.5 µM +NAA 0.25 Mg/L respectively. In all, IBA 2.5 µM gave excellent response for root induction.

Key words: Micro propagation, chick pea, shooting culture, multiple shooting.