ASSESSMENT OF CALLUS-FORMING POTENTIAL OF BUCKWHEAT VARIETIES

A comparative study of morphogenetic potential of four buckwheat genotypes in vitro was conducted. The relevance of the study is due to the need to optimize the in vitro cultivation of Fagopyrum esculentum explants and evaluate the regenerative activity and somaclonal variability of genotypes for use in cell selection. For the first time, a comprehensive assessment of Yashlek, Batyr and Agata diploid varieties and Medovaya tetraploid population was conducted for a set of morphophysiological features and regenerative activity of plant tissues. The experiment was performed on a modified Murashige-Skoog agar medium using hypocotyl explants. The methodology included an assessment of callus-forming capacity, morphological analysis of callus tissues and calculation of the growth index and specific growth rate. Statistically significant inter-varietal differences were identified for all studied indicators. Batyr variety showed maximum regenerative activity with a callus formation rate of 81.0% and formed morphogenetically competent callus tissues of a dense consistency with meristematic foci. Medovaya variety demonstrated the highest proliferative activity with a growth index of 1.23 and a specific growth rate of 0.029 days⁻¹. An inverse relationship was found between morphogenetic competence and the intensity of callus culture proliferation. The main conclusion of the study indicates the genetic determination of the studied traits and allows us to recommend Batyr variety for micropropagation and the production of somaclonal variants, while Medovaya variety is of interest for biomass cultivation. The obtained results have practical implications for breeding programs using cell-based technologies.