TISSUE CULTURE SYSTEM FOR IN VITRO POLLINATION AND REGENERATION OF PLANTLETS FROM IN VITRO RAISED SEEDS OF GINGER - ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSC.

Genetic variability in the spice crop, Ginger, is too narrow, owing to its incompatibility and lack of seed set in nature. The disease outbreak in cultivators' fields urge the need for inducing genetic variability and screening for disease resistance/tolerance. In vitro pollination was attempted to overcome the pre-fertilization barriers that interfered with natural seed set in ginger. The spiny stigma, long style and coiling of pollen tube were some among the barriers of fertility reported earlier. The present study highlights the feasibility of in vitro pollination for successful seed set in ginger. The media and conditions for the healthy growth of detached ovary were identified. A viable protocol was developed for rapid multiplication of tiny seedlings that merged out of in vitro raised seeds of ginger. The plantlets were rooted, hardened and planted out successfully.