The Effect of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid (2, 4-D) Concentration on Callus Induction in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Experiment was designed and conducted to determine the most appropriate concentration of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid suitable for callus induction in sugarcane. Explants were obtained from apical meristems of two sugarcane cultivars (SP726180 and CO-001) and cultured in a modified MS medium supplemented with varying concentrations of 2,4-D. After sterilization, the explants were incubated in the growth chamber at 270C and monitored for callus induction for four Weeks. The resulting calli were sub cultured on a media with a reduced 2,4-D concentration to induce somatic embryogenesis. Percentages of callus formation, embryogenic callus as well as growth coefficient were the parameters monitored. Data generated were analyzed using Chi-square and showed a significant difference among the different 2,4-D concentrations (P≤0.05). Swelling of the explants was observed one week after inoculation while callus initiation begun after two weeks. The calli were found to be yellowish, compact and nodular. Callus induction was found to increase with increase in the concentration of 2,4-D.Keywords: Saccharum officinarum, Explants, Callus Induction, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic AcidNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19 (2): 213-21