VCF 0517 is newly released sugarcane variety in India which is high yielding, high tillering, better quality, suitable for wide row planting, high jaggery yield and quality and good rationing ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate conditions required for the in vitro propagation of VCF 0517 sugarcane genotype. Callus regeneration was done using meristem explant on MS + 2,4-D (0-5mgL-1) media to determine most appropriate dose for callus induction. Charcoal was added to the media in order to remove phenolics released by explant. The explants were sterilized, inoculated and incubated in the growth chamber at 27oC under dark conditions and monitored for callus induction. Sub culturing on similar media composition was done every 4 weeks for complete callus growth and development. Percentage of callus formation, embryogenic callus formed, number of days for initiation and number of days for complete callus development were the parameters studied. Treatment effects were analysed by ANOVA using OPSTAT online analysis tool (http://14.139.232.166/opstat/) and results showed a significant difference among the 2,4-D concentrations (P?0.05). Swelling of explants was observed after one week of inoculation while callus initiation started after two weeks. Callus induction increased with increased 2,4-D concentration but MS + 2,4-D (3 mgL-1) produced the best results thus an effective dose for callus induction in VCF 0517 sugarcane variety.

Keywords: Saccharum officinarum, explants, callus Induction, 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid, VCF 0517.