supported by filter paper bridges, were incubated at 25 ± 2°C, for 16 hr. Photoperiod and light intensity of 50 μmoL S provided by cool florescent lamps (Philips, India Ltd.). Seeds germinated in 4-5 days and it attained 4- 5 cm height with 2-3 nodes. Thereafter, within 15-20 days these aseptically grown seedlings were used as source of explants.