Callus mediated multiple shoot organogenesis from stem explant of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Abstract

Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L) is a potential grain legume crop for adoption to dry land agriculture and saline soil. Seeds of grasspea are rich in protein (26-30"/0) as well as lysine. However, this crop remains underutilized due to the presence of a neurotoxin, p-N-oxalyl-L-a, p-diaminopropionic acid (BOAA) in seed storage protein, which causes neurolathyrism and osteolathyrism to human beings and farm animals [1]. Unsuccessful for development of varieties with low BOAA content through conventional breeding methods due to its narrow genetic base; advance biotechnology techniques such as somaclonal variation, mutagenized tissue culture, somatic hybridization and genetic engineering have been utilized as potential tools in addition to conventional plant breeding for genetic improvement of many crop plants. Present experiment was conducted for genetic improvement of grasspea with low BOAA content and for agronomically desirable types.