Genotype specific shoots regeneration from different explants of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using TDZ

Thidiazuron (TDZ) is among the most active cytokinin like substances and induces greater in vitro shoot proliferation than other cytokinins used in plant. Stem node and cotyledonary node explants of 2 extensively cultivated Tomato cultivars - MHTM and Shalimar were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with various concentrations of TDZ. The present study was conducted to develop a rapid and efficient, genotypic specific shoot regeneration system suitable for the transformation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using TDZ. Cotyledonary nodes and leaf nodes after the initial callus stage regenerated prolific adventitious shoots via organogenesis. Cotyledonary nodes showed a higher shoot formation capacity than stem nodes. MS medium supplemented with 3.40μM TDZ produced the highest frequency of shoot formation from cotyledonary nodes in both genotypes. Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium with and without IBA. Rooted plants were finally transferred to soil in pots.