Embryogenic callus induction and efficient plant regeneration in pearl millet

High plant regeneration was obtained from embryogenic callus induced from immature embryos of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), ev RIB 20-K-86 cultured on MS medium supplemented with pCPA (5 mg/l). On pCPA supplemented medium callus could be retained well without any loss of regeneration potential for several months. Best growth and maintenance of embryogenic state of callus was achieved on MS medium supplemented with pCPA (2 mg/l). For plant regeneration embryogenic callus was transferred to MS medium supplemented with IAA (1 mg/l) and Kn (0.5 mg/l). Regenerated plants were rooted on half strength MS medium. Regenerated plants were transferred to field conditions where they matured and set seeds. Seeds were collected for somaclonal variation studies in the subsequent generations.