Researchers : Saballo, K.M.D., J.M.Roxas, M.M.Loresco, & J.B.Banayo.

ABSTRACT

In the Philippines, hybrid napier has shown itself to be well adapted to local climate and soil conditions. Though hybrid napier possess good quality traits for forage production, it does not produce seeds because it is sterile. This limits its potential for large scale production of planting materials and even future genetic improvement. The aim of this study is to develop the micropropagation protocol for hybrid napier by callus induction and subsequent plantlet regeneration. Shoots of veriety “Florida”were inoculated into callus induction media. The explants were cultured in MS nutrient media with 5% coconut water and varying concentrations of plant growth regulators. Callus formation was observed in as high NAA. Up to 46% of the explants formed big calli. Lower concentrations gave mostly medium sized calli 35-36%. Multiple plantlet formation was observed from the callus material regardless of size. We have demonstrated here that hybrid napier can be induced to form calli of varying sizes in as short as one month. This procedure is ideal for the mass propagation of elite line of hybrid napier.