Role of amino acids in evolution of ethylene and methane, and development of microshoots in Cajanus cajan

In pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) shoot buds were induced when cotyledonary n ode explants were supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2 mg dm(-3)). W hen 0.1 mg dm(-3) BAP and 0.01 mg dm(-3) naphtahalene acetic acid were supp lemented to the medium, the 34 - 35 % of induced buds developed to microsho ots. By supplementing amino acids like proline, glutamine, asparagine and L -cysteine, shoot bud development to microshoots was enhanced at least by tw o fold. Amongst the amino acids proline gave maximum number of microshoots per explant. With increase in concentration of amino acids, fresh mass incr eased but microshoot number decreased. Also methane evolution was increased by addition of amino acids, and also in medium containing more of its nitr ogen in the form of ammonia. Increased evolution of methane was accompanied by reduction in evolution of ethylene, and enhancement of efficiency of mi croshoot development.