Callus induction via different growth regulators from cotyledon explants of indigenous chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars KK-1 and Hassan-2K

Callus induction from cotyledon explants was studied in indigenous chick pea ( Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars KK-1 and Hassan-2K on MS and B 5 media containing different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators. Different MS and B 5 callusing media containing varying level of 2, 4-D (2 and 4 mg/l), NAA (0.50 and 1 mg/l), BAP (5 and 10 μM) and their combinations were tested for callus induction response. Percent callus and callus fresh weight (g) were recorded after two and four weeks of culture for both genotypes. For KK-1 cultivar, the maximum callus frequency (71 and 97%) followed by (65 and 96%) were observed on 4 mg/l 2,4-D+5 μM BAP in MS and 4 mg/l 2,4-D in B 5 media, respectively after two and four weeks of culture. Similarly, the highest callus fresh weight (0.411 and 0.787 g) were also recorded for MS+4 mg/l 2,4-D+5 μM BAP in contrast to B 5 where the highest callus weight (0.401 and 0.693 g) was achieved on 4 mg/l 2,4-D only. In Hassan -2K, the highest callus % (68 and 96) and fresh weight (0.572 and 0.821 g) were recorded on MS+4 mg/l 2,4-D+0.50 mg/l NAA after two and four weeks of culture, respectively. In B 5 medium, 2,4-D+BAP combination produced average callus induction response for both cultivars. Key words : Callus induction, chick pea cotyledons, growth regulators.