Embryogenic, non-embryogenic and desiccated callus cultures of sugarcane cv. Co-671 were used for studying the gene expression of calmodulin (CaM), anionic peroxidase (AP) and hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein (HRGP). CaM and AP expression was observed in all the embryogenic stages while there was no expression in the non-embryogenic stage. HRGP expression was detected in all the stages except in the non-embryogenic stage, however, embryogenic callus stage showed higher expression as compared to other advanced embryogenic stages. Immediately after desiccation, cultures did not show any activity while an increased accumulation of CaM, AP and HRGP was seen in cultures upon a 10-day post-desiccation culture. Desiccation induced expression of CaM was clearly observed following 10 day post-desiccation culture. The results suggest that differential gene expression can modulate the embryogenic competence.