In vitro selection of variants resistant to basal rot of garlic (Allium sativum L.) using induced mutations

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) variants resistant to basal rot disease were selected using induced mutations. Callus induction was achieved from basal portion on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (3 mg L^-1). MS medium containing kinetin in combination with 2,4-D was optimized for callus proliferation. The calluses obtained were exposed to UV radiations for induction of mutation. The calluses showing minimum survival rate at 2.5 hours exposure were selected for pathogenecity test against culture filtrates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, the cause of basal rot of garlic. The calluses tolerant at 16% concentrations of culture filtrates were considered to be resistant.