Improved regeneration efficiency from mature embryos of barley cultivars

A reliable protocol for plant regeneration from mature embryo derived calli of nine barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivars has been developed, The auxins 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, picloram and dicamba proved effective in in ducing callus from mature embryos of most of the barley cultivars, The indu ced primary callus was loose, friable and translucent, It ultimately yielde d creamy white and compact callus after 2 - 3 transfers on fresh medium of the same composition. Callus induction and regeneration capacity were highl y cultivar dependent, Addition of a high concentration of picloram (4 mg. d m(-3)) promoted regeneration in 3 cultivars (Tallon, Grimmett and Sloop), I n cv, Arapiles, abscisic acid and betaine were crucial in generating morpho genic callus from the mature embryos, Plants regenerated from these calli w ere hardy and developed roots readily when transferred to hormone free medi um.