Effect of cytokinins on shoot multiplication in three elite sugarcane varieties

Studies were carried out for rapid micropropagation of three elite sugarcane varieties i.e., HSF-240, CP-77-400 and CPF-237. The explants were surface sterilized with 50% clorox for 30 minutes. The cultures were initiated by inoculating them on MS (Murashige & Skoog, 1962) medium containing 1.0 mg/l Kin along with 0.1 mg/l GA3. Multiplication of the cultures was obtained by using BAP and Kin in various combinations and concentrations in MS medium. The optimum multiplication for variety HSF-240 was obtained at 1.5 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l Kin with 16.5 cm shoot length, 11 number of tillers and 32 number of leaves per plant. Similarly optimum multiplication for variety CP-77-400 was obtained at 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l Kin, with a maximum of 8.5 cm shoot length, 7 number of tillers and 24 number of leaves. Best multiplication rate for variety CPF-237 was observed at 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l Kin with a maximum of 12 cm shoot length, 6 number of tillers and 18 leaves per plant. Rooting of the plantlets was obtained on half strength MS medium containing 6% sucrose and various concentrations of IBA.