Somatic embryogenesis and multiple‐shoot formation from seed‐derived shoot apical meristems of rhodesgrass (<i>Chloris gayana</i> Kunth)

Abstract High‐frequencies of somatic embryogenesis and multiple‐shoot formation were achieved with seed‐derived shoot apical meristems of rhodesgrass ( Chloris gayana Kunth). Shoot apices as initial explants were isolated from aseptically germinated seedlings, and cultured in vitro . Embryogenic calli and the multiple shoots were induced and maintained on MS basal medium with various combinations of 2,4‐dichlorophnoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) and 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP), the two most effective treatments being 2.0 mg L −1 2,4‐D and 0.1 mg L −1 2,4‐D + 2.0 mg L −1 BAP. These embryogenic calli and multiple‐shoot formations could be used as alternative regenerable target tissues for genetic transformation using particle bombardment of rhodesgrass.