GENETIC-ANALYSIS OF SHORT-TERM CALLUS-CULTURE AND MORPHOGENESIS IN PEARL-MILLET, PENNISETUM-GLAUCUM

Genetic analysis of five in vitro characters was made through a 5 x 5 diallel analysis using callus derived from immature inflorescence segm ents of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). The characters studied were : volume of total callus, frequency of embryogenic calli, embryogenic callus volume, growth rate in terms of increase in fresh weight, and f requency of regeneration. High heritability values and heterosis were noticed for all these characters except for E callus frequency. Additi ve gene action was predominant for callus growth rate and frequency of regeneration. Of the five inbreds, IP 1346 (= P5) was found to be the best genetic background for embryogenic callus volume, embryogenic gr owth rate and frequency of regeneration.