Induction of Flowering in a Sorghum×Saccharum Hybrid through Gamma Irradiation of Calli.

Abstract

The calli of a Sorghum bicolor×Saccharum officinarum hybrid was irradiated at different doses of gamma radiation to induce normal flowering and panicle emergence in this hybrid. Fifty one somaclones were regenerated from the irradiated calli and field planted during May, 2004. One of the somaclones (SSS-03/152) flowered during November, 2004 producing an inflorescence, similar to that of sugarcane. This somaclone was found to be pollen sterile, but had apparently normal female reproductive structures.