Micronutrient optimization results into highly improved in vitro plant regeneration in kodo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paspalum scrobiculatum</Emphasis> L.) and finger (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eleusine coracana</Emphasis> (L.) Gaertn.) millets

Basal medium constituents and their concentration play an important role in growth and morphogenesis of plant tissues cultured in vitro. In this study effect of different inorganic nutrients (CoCl₂, MnSO₄, ZnSO₄, CuSO₄ and AgNO₃) on callus induction and plant regeneration in Paspalum scrobiculatum and Eleusine coracana was examined. A 5× and 3× increase in regeneration response at enhanced levels of CuSO₄ was noted for kodo and finger millets, respectively. Significant improvement in plant regeneration was also observed with the increase in levels of Co and Mn. Addition of AgNO₃ to the basal medium also had a stimulatory effect on callus induction and plant regeneration. Optimization of nutrient level in the basal medium has highly significant role in obtaining maximum regeneration response from explants and callus culture.