An efficient protocol for somatic embryogenesis and subsequent plant regeneration was developed for sugarcane variety Isd-16 using leaf sheath explants of 3, 6 and 12-months-old field grown plants. Explants from 6-month-old plant showed the best response and produced highest percentage of calli on MS + 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D. L-proline 25mg/l significantly enhanced somatic embryogenesis. The embryos germinated well on half-strength MS and developed into plantlets. Somatic embryo derived plants under field condition showed considerable variation in morphological, agronomical and biochemical...