DEVELOPMENT OF AN IN-VITRO CULTURE TECHNIQUE FOR CONSERVATION OF SACCHARUM SPP HYBRID GERMPLASM

An in vitro method for the establishment and storage of over 200 Sacch arum spp. hybrid clones was developed that involved only 1 medium for shoot development and multiplication, and no decontamination procedure s. Apical buds, from the leaf axils of developing leaves surrounding t he apical meristem, were cultured on medium containing the plant growt h regulators 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 6-furfurylaminopurine (kine tin), and regenerated multiple shoots. Shoots transferred to medium co ntaining naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) developed roots. In vitro plants transferred to a medium containing half strength salts and vitamins w ithout plant growth regulators were placed in storage at 18-degrees-C. After 12 months of storage plants were transferred to fresh medium an d returned to storage. The genetic integrity of clones (based on pheno type assessment) was not affected by the in vitro culture method and u p to 14 months of low-maintenance storage conditions. These in vitro p lants will be further tested for genetic stability using biochemical a nd molecular techniques.