Explant source, genotype and plant growth regulators effects on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) callus induction

ABSTRACT: Callus induction of was studied in three leaflets and internodes chickpea cultivars, ICC 3996 C, Zouaoui and Flip 82 150 C on MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) nutrient medium, supplemented with several hormonal combinations of 2, 4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine). The results showed that rates of callus production was significantly influenced at 5 % level, by individual and interactive, genotype, explants source, hormonal balance added to the nutrient medium effects. Among the genotypes tested, Zouaoui cultivar showed better callogenic ability (61, 66%) compared to ICC 3996 C (50, 66%) and Flip 82 150 C (45, 75%). The two types of explants explained different reactivity. Internodes were significantly more callogenic and formed 61, 66 % of produced callus, whereas with leaflets, only 45% were obtained. In addition, from the range of hormonal regime tested, MS medium containing 1 mg/l BAP 0, 5 mg 2, 4-D, or 0,5 mg/l NAA with 2,25 mg/l BAP, expressed the greatest callus formation rate with respectively 76,80% and 71,92%. However, MS containing 2, 4-D or NAA without cytokinine, showed low percentages of produced callus.