MULTIPLE SHOOT INDUCTION BY BENZYLADENINE AND COMPLETE PLANT-REGENERATION FROM SEED EXPLANTS OF CHICKPEA (CICER-ARIETINUM L)

The efficacy of benzyladenine (BA) to induce multiple shoots from seed explants of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was assessed. Shoot differe ntiation was influenced by the type of seed explant, genotype and conc entration of BA. Orientation of the explant also strongly influenced t he shoot regeneration response. The optimum BA concentration for shoot /shoot bud regeneration was genotype dependent. Two types of BA-induce d response were observed: (I) at less than 7.5 mu M BA, direct shoot d ifferentiation (2 to 4-cm-long shoots) was observed within 30 days; (2 ) at higher BA concentrations (75-100 mu M), shoot/shoot bud different iation was achieved in 45-90 days. A high BA concentration inhibited s ubsequent rooting of shoots. Roots, however, could be easily induced o n shoots derived from <12.5 mu M BA. Following transfer to soil, 80% o f the regenerants developed into morphologically normal and fertile pl ants.