Abstract In vitro flowering in maize (Zea mays L)

A.B. Mandal*, A. Maid and R. Elanchezhian

Biotechnology Laboratory, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Post Box No. 181, Port Blair, 744101, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Received 10 December 1999 / Accepted I1 June 2000

Abstract.
In vitro flowering in maize (Zea mays L) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 4 mg L ^-1 BAP (6 Benzyl amino purine) and 0.5 mg L ^-1 NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid). The flowering was induced under 16/8 h light/ dark regime at 25±2^oC, suggesting a long day requirement to facilitate flowering in this crop. However, only female flowers were produced, indicating compatibility of the aforementioned dose of BAP and NAA in promoting female flower induction. The level of auxin and cytokinin may be further manipulated to obtain male flowers which is essential to perform in vitro fertilization.

Keywords: In vitro flowering, maize, growth regulators