Sorghum plant regeneration from aluminum selection media

Abstract

Callus cultures of four Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cultivars were initiated from aseptically germinated seed. Prior to culture on media containing 0, 100, 200, and 400 μM aluminum, the callus had been subcultured for 3 to 12 months. There were differences amongst the cultivars in response to the aluminum in terms of callus growth. Growth was inhibited at the highest level of aluminum tested. Subculture of callus from aluminum selection medium on both aluminum-containing and aluminum-free media indicated that aluminum-selected callus grew better in the presence of aluminum. Plants were regenerated from only one cultivar (IS3620C of the Margaritiferum group) after several passages on aluminum-supplemented media. Regeneration capacity was however inhibited at 400 μM aluminum.