Vegetative Propagation by Somatic Embryogenesis of Two Sugarcane Varieties in Northwest Argentina

An efficient protocol was developed for the induction of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from the apical whorl of two sugarcane varieties (SP 70-1143 and CP 70-1133) grown in the fields of Oran, northwest of Argentina. Callus induction was obtained on MS medium containing 2,4-D (45.25 µM/L) and cefotaxime (0.4 g/L). Rapidly growing nodular calluses were registered, which differentiated into somatic embryos. In embryogenic callus formation and proliferation, the results obtained were dependent on the genotypes evaluated. Shoot formation was effective with BAP (113 µM/L), also with a response influenced by the genotype. In the presence of 2.69 µM/L of ANA, the vitroplantlets showed root formation. To improve the rooting response, an additional treatment with 2.07 µM/L of K-IBA increased the rooting percentage in the genotype with the lowest response. Under controlled conditions, the vitroplantlets were hardened in plastic containers, reached 100% survival in the acclimatation phase. The vitroplantlets were successfully transferred to field conditions. No morphological alterations were observed in the plants regenerated by embryogenesis. Somatic embryogenesis is a valuable tool for the propagation and genetic improvement of sugarcane.