High frequency regeneration and heritable somaclonal variation in Brassica juncea

Summary Multiple shoot formation in cotyledonary callus of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea cv. Prakash) was induced on modified MS media supplemented with high cytokinin (kinetin or zeatin) and low IAA concentrations. Complete plants were obtained on prolonged incubation of shoots on the same medium. 6-Benzyladenine alone or in combination with IAA or NAA did not support plantlet regeneration. A total of 71 plants were transferred to greenhouse. The seed, however, could be collected from 37 plants only. The seed was sown in the field to evaluate the material for somaclonal variation in R₁ generation. Data were recorded for yield, plant height, number of primary branches, siliqua number, 1,000 seed weight and oil content. Somaclonal lines showed tremendous amount of variation for all the characters studied. A number of plants in this generation showed significantly higher yield and/or other improved agriculturally important characteristics as compared to the control. A line with dwarf plant type was also identified. A number of plants were selected from this generation and carried forward to R₂ generation. Most of these lines bred true in R₂ generation. The material seems to be very promising for future breeding programmes.