Plantlet regeneration via multiple shoot induction in Indian cultivars of lucerne (Medicago sativa L)

An efficient protocol has been developed for in vitro plant regeneration via multiple shoot induction in lucerne (Medicago sativa L). Shoot tips from in vitro grown 5-6 days old seedlings of 3 cultivars, LLC-3, Chetak and RL-88 were used as explants for multiple shoot induction on MS medium supplemented with cytokinins. Maximum of 14 shoots per apical meristem were observed in case of cv Chetak on MS medium supplemented with BAP (12.6 mu M) and KN (9.3 mu M). Shoot elongation on US medium supplemented with GA (5.8 mu M), while root induction was achieved on MS medium supplemented with IAA (11.4 mu M) and activated charcoal (2.0 g l(-1)). Tissue raised plants showed 75% survival after transfer to soil under field conditions.