In vitro culture provides additional variation for pigeonpea

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to exploit somaclonal variation for the varietal improvement of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.]. The pigeonpea plants were regenerated from cotyledon explants, and their progeny was screened for variability. The regenerated R1 plants exhibited a spectrum of alterations in floral morphology and architecture that were absent in the control population. The field-sown R2 plants segregated for traits such as flower color, leaf shape, seed size, color and strophiolation, flowering habit, and fertility. Tissue culture produced different mutational events resulting in both dominant and recessive alleles. Significant variation was observed for plant height, seed mass, and damage due to the insect pest Helicoverpa armigera. The R3 plants, obtained from seed of R2 generation selected for traits such as white seed coat, strophiolation, reduced plant height, seed mass and low damage due to Helicoverpa, maintained the traits when compared with the seed-derived control populations. The results indicate a definite gene for white seed coat and the possibility of additional genes for pest tolerance and high seed mass in an adapted background.

Genetic Improvement of Pigeon Pea — A Review

“…Chintapalli et al [24] attempted to exploit somaclonal variations in pigeon pea tissue cultures for crop improvement by producing an R 2 population from regenerated cotyledon explants. The R 2 population exhibited wide variation in floral morphology, plant height, seed size, and seed color.…”

Biotechnology approaches to overcome biotic and abiotic stress constraints in legumes

“…It is well known that somaclonal variation involving callus cultivation and somatic embryogenesis has the capacity to generate genetic variation (Larkin & Scowcroft, 1981). The possibility of producing agronomically useful somaclones via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis has already been reported in pea (Griga et al, 1995) and pigeonpea (Chintapalli et al, 1997). These variations are not desirable for some applications such as genetic transformation or massive micropropagation, but can be useful for breeding.…”

<i>In vitro </i>Regeneration of pigeon pea using leaf explants

“…Through in vitro regeneration of pigeon pea, somaclonal variants that are resistant to Fusarium wilt and H. armigera can be obtained (Chintapalli et al, 1997). A reproducible in vitro regeneration protocol is also a prerequisite for genetic transformation of many crop species.…”