Vol. 11, Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
Dr. VJ Vasanthi, Dr. A Vijai Anandh, Dr. P Puvila and Dr. G Vaidehi

Abstract:
In this current research, standardization of culture media for meristems, nodal segments and also virus indexing of regenerants using TAS –ELISA were carried out successfully. Five different culture media (Media I for meristems and Media II for nodal segments) were prepared each for in vitro propagation of meristems and nodal segments from three different ICMV susceptible cultivars of cassava viz., Co-1, Co-3 and H165 along with different concentrations of growth regulators such as Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3). Growth parameters like Nodal length, survival percent, root and shoot induction, leaf and root numbers for each explant were evaluated. Based on analysis of variance (P< 0.05), there were significant differences in growth parameters of meristem derived cassava cultivars on Media I combinations. Later nodal segments from regenerants were mass multiplied using Media II with five different combinations of harmones under controlled condition. Cassava cultivar Co-3 meristems cultured in TM2 (Media I composition) 4.4 g/l of MS with BAP (0.25 mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l), GA3 (0.03 mg/l) gave highest percent of survival (87%) and highest mean plant height (1.22 cm) and mean root number (0.63) and for in vitro nodal segments cultured on N2 (Media IIcomposition) with BAP (0.15 mg/l), NAA(0.02 mg/l), resulted in 99 percent survival. Highest mean plant height (1.32 cm) and mean root number (0.71) were recorded in Co-3 cultivar in nodal explants. Among the different types of soil mixtures tested for hardening, peat and vermiculite (3:1) gave better survival of regenerated plantlets (95 percent). Further virus indexing was carried out for regenerants using TAS- ELISA. This new protocol of (Media I) with TM2 and (Media II) with N2 were standardized for meristem and in vitro nodal segments respectively and proved to be promising technology for virus free planting material.