Isolation,fusion and multiplication of sugarcane protoplasts and comparison of sexual and parasexual hybridization

Summary The problems associated with the isolation of leaf protoplasts in sugarcanes have been overcome by the choice of spindle tissue as source material. It is now possible to isolate, fuse, regenerate and multiply sugarcane protoplasts. However, the usefulness is limited due to the shortlived chromosomal stability during the callus stage. Nevertheless, preliminary results are promising and the method should prove feasible with refinement in technique. Two breeding systems for using parasexual hybridization are discussed.