Employing a crude toxin preparation from Sarocladium oryzae as a molecularsieve to select sheath rot-resistant somaclones of rice

This study was undertaken to explore the possibilities of using in vitro te chniques for selection of sheath rot-resistant somaclones of rice cv Co43. Oryza nivara and O. longistaminata possessing sheath rot-resistance were in cluded in the study, with a view to comparing the reaction of the susceptib le somaclones of O. sativa cv Co43 to a crude toxin preparation from cultur e filtrate of the pathogenic fungus, Sarocladium oryzae. A few somaclones o f Co43, selected on the crude toxin preparation, regenerated into plantlets and their reaction to the toxin was reconfirmed up to R-1 generation.