Enrichment of agronomic traits in homozygous form through androgenesis in sweet sorghum
Microspore developmental stages are being determined via light microscopy based on gametophyte morphology and nucleus stage. Such classified microspore samples have received cold stress treatment (more than 14 days) at 4°C till plating on media for androgenesis induction. Five varieties of sweet sorghum investigated are being cultured using two different media; first one with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin with B5 vitamin, maltose, Calcium chloride and Iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate added to MS 5519 (Sigma, St. Louis, Missouri) at pH of 5.8 while the second media contained Indole-3-butyric acid, kinetin, B5 vitamin, 6-Benzylaminopurine, Naphthaleneacetic acid and sucrose added to MS 5519 (Sigma, St. Louis, Missouri) at pH of 5.8. The microspore extracted from sweet sorghum immature anthers are cultured on the two media and further observed over a period of 1-3 weeks for androgenic responses. The responses are confirmed using fluorescence microscope (Keyence BX710 epifluorescence microscope). The microscopy view validates that the microspores’ ability to differentiate and form callus which can be subjected to further genetic studies. Androgenic response varies with variety, microspore developmental stages and specific to media composition. Sweet sorghum variety, Topper 76-6 showed the highest androgenic response (especially on the 6A media) in across microspore developmental stages and panicle portion. Distal and post-basal panicle portions gave highest calli (186 and 156, respectively) on androgenic media. The biofuel crop after potential enhancement would help farmers significantly through increase in their profit margins. Next step: I. Regeneration from the calli and KASP analysis for genetic markers’ segregation in microspores’ derived calli from above sweet sorghum varieties per traits enrichment II. Comparing mRNA based expression profiles per microspores’ developmental stages after inducing androgenic responses for each of the varieties.
About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University conducts applied and fundamental research across agriculture and environmental sciences, engineering and computer science, education and learning sciences, and health and behavioral studies. Its land‑grant programs include agricultural research and Cooperative Extension with long‑running USDA‑supported projects in plant science, urban agriculture, food safety, and natural resource management. Notable research units include the College of Agriculture’s research programs and extension centers, the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences, and the Center of Excellence in Information Systems, along with specialized facilities such as the Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center. TSU investigators regularly secure funding from federal agencies including USDA‑NIFA, NSF, NIH, and the State of Tennessee, often in partnership with regional industry and community organizations. Technology transfer and outreach emphasize practical solutions in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, data and information systems, and workforce development for Middle Tennessee and beyond.
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