Multiple shoot induction by benzyladenine and complete plant regeneration from seed explants of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

The efficacy of benzyladenine (BA) to induce multiple shoots from seed explants of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was assessed. Shoot differentiation was influenced by the type of seed explant, genotype and concentration of BA. Orientation of the explant also strongly influenced the shoot regeneration response. The optimum BA concentration for shoot/shoot bud regeneration was genotype dependent. Two types of BA-induced response were observed: (1) at less than 7.5 gm BA, direct shoot differentiation (2 to 4-cm-long shoots) was observed within 30 days; (2) at higher BA concentrations (75-100 μM), shoot/shoot bud differentiation was achieved in 45-90 days. A high BA concentration inhibited subsequent rooting of shoots. Roots, however, could be easily induced on shoots derived from <12.5 μM BA. Following transfer to soil, 80% of the regenerants developed into morphologically normal and fertile plants.