Study of elemental variations during somatic embryogenesis in sugarcane using photon induced X-ray probe

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique (EDXRF) has been extensively used to characterize trace element profiles during plant growth under stress and development. In this study, elemental accumulation was analyzed using EDXRF technique during somatic embryogenesis, from de-differentiated callus (S1) to proembryogenic callus (S2), embryogenic callus with developing embryos (S3) and embryo converted plantlets (S4, S5). There was much variation in Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. Higher Mg (4.6%) K (1068 ppm) and Fe accumulation was observed in proembryogenic callus (S2) stage compared to other stages suggesting specific elemental accumulation in embryogenic callus. The results suggest that the information on the accumulation of elements during developmental stages in vitro could be useful for formulating a media for induction of high frequency of embryogenesis in sugarcane.