Abstract
Cytological stability of the 6 and 12 week old embryogenic callus initiated from immature inflorescence explant was investigated in five inbred lines of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. Three different types of embryogenic cells have been observed. Different types of chromosomal abnormalities in the embryogenic cell populations include hypo-haploidy, aneuploidy and polyploidy. The extent of chromosomal variability depended upon the age of the callus, 2, 4-D concentration and genotype. No specific dose-response relationship was observed between the 2, 4-D concentration and the frequency of abnormalities in the calli. The regenerants were all diploids. The operation of a selection mechanism within the embryogenic callus favouring the development of normal diploid regenerants has been inferred.
