No abstract

Anthers of Brassica rtigra, excised from fresh as well as cold-pretreated {3 days at 3 ± 2 °C) buds cultivated on modified B5 medium (GAMBORG et al. 1968) containing sucrose level varying from 2 % to 10 %, along with lO"*?*! BAP (benzylaminopurine) and 9 X 10"*M 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), developed i:alli and/or embryos. The latter response was observed only in anthers reared on media containing 6 % or higher levels of sucrose. On media containing two or four per cent sucrose, the anthers produced calli, exclusively. The growth of embryos was inhibited or else they started callusing if left on the media containing higher levels of sucrose. However, on transfer to MS medium (MuRASHlGE and SKOOG 1962), containing 2 % sucrose, embryos started callusing and subsequently a few secondary embryos differentiated. Such embryos were sub-cultured on MS + 5 x 10"*M BAP + 2 % sucrose, wherein numerous shoots developed from embryos. The shoots were rooted by transferring to a medium containing 5 x 10"^M NAA (naphthalene acetic acid). Within two months of culture, some of these plants started flowering in vitro.

No abstract

Among the developing countries, India is one of those that recognises the importance of biotechnology. The trajectory of different policies being formulated over time is proof that the government is progressing towards achieving self-sufficiency. However, to cater to the ever-growing biotech industry, skilled manpower is required. This article therefore brings together reflections on the evolution of biotech education in India with the aim of giving an exposition on the diversity of issues concerning its growth and expansion within the country.