An Effective Protocol for Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration in an Indica Rice Cultivar RD43

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for billions of people globally. Rice cultivar RD43 has been recognized for its health benefits but has faced declining productivity due to climate change. Plant tissue culture serves as a powerful tool for studying and improving rice cultivars, yet a standardized protocol for rice cv. RD43 is lacking. This study aims to establish an efficient plant tissue culture protocol for rice cv. RD43 by evaluating concentrations of plant growth regulators for callus induction, proliferation, and regeneration. Callus induction was most effective with 4.0 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), while callus proliferation was effective with 2.0 mg/L of 2,4-D. Furthermore, 2.0 mg/L of 6-benzyladenine (BA) yielded the highest plant regeneration, achieving a 50% regeneration rate and producing 9.60 shoots per callus. These findings lay the groundwork for a robust tissue culture protocol for rice cv. RD43 as a means for advanced breeding studies and contributing to global food security amid climate change challenges.