Somaclonal variation in resistance of canola (Brassica napus L.) to sclerotinai stem root

In this research, methods of callus induction and plant regeneration in canola were modified in order to possibility resistance canola production by somaclonal variation against pathogen fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum , because this pathogen fungus has the broad host range that caused feasible and effective disease control measures are lacking. For this purpose hypocotyl explants (5 – 7 mm) from canola sterile seedlings at different ages were cultured on MS media plus different concentrations of PGRs at differents pH (s). The results showed that explants with 7 days old on media with 6 mg/l BA plus 2 mg/l IBA and pH 5.5 produced the highest mean of regenerated shoots per explants. Regenerated shoots after rooting on 0.5MS medium with 0.1 mg/l IBA, adaptation to dry conditions and transferring to pot inoculated with mycellial disc of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The results of experiments showed that regenerated plantlets were resistant duo to somatic variation that occured in them in tissue culture period.