The Induction of Enlarged Apical Domes In Vitro and Multi-shoot Formation from Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)

An in vitro system which induces structures resembling enlarged apical domes in Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. has been developed for over four years. The enlarged domes, which were green and 2–10 mm in diameter, were compared histologically with the natural apical dome. The cultures retained an ability for high levels of multiple-shoot formation through long term subculturing, and were able to produce fertile plants. The observations presented here might be classified as a novel system in culturing cereals.