In vitro selection and characterization of polyethylene glycol (PEG) tolerant callus lines and regeneration of plantlets from the selected callus lines in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

A system for in vitro selection of drought tolerant callus lines in sugarcane was developed. High molecular weight PEG was used as selective agent. Selected callus line grew better than non-selected callus when grown on different concentrations of PEG. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like CAT, POX, APX and SOD were high in selected callus than in non-selected callus. Osmolytes like proline and ascorbic acid were at higher levels in selected callus than in non-selected callus, however at higher concentrations (20-30 %) of PEG, levels of proline and ascorbic acid decreased. The frequency of organogenesis and number of plantlets decreased in selected callus than in non-selected callus. The results can be used for in vitro screening and manipulations of sugarcane for improvement of drought tolerance.