Callogenesis in hybrid cultivars of Cocos nucifera L. by in vitro culture of immature inflorescences

Abstract

In Colombia, coconut palm cultivation (Cocos nucifera L.) is centralized in the Pacific Coast and has productive limitations. An alternative to improve production is the use of hybrid cultivars. However, efficient methodologies are required for mass propagation. The objective of this study was to induce the formation of calluses with embryogenic structures from the in vitro culture of immature inflorescences in hybrid coconut palm cultivars. Three stages of development of immature inflorescences were evaluated, which were placed in CRI 72 culture medium with 100, 200 and 300 μM of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and activated carbon (1.0 and 2.5 g) to promote callus formation with embryogenic structures It was found that the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid concentration and the development status of the explant are essential for the formation of such structures. It was shown that anthers are explants not suitable for callus formation with embryogenic structures, while immature ovaries showed potential for clonal propagation of coconut palm hybrid cultivars.

Keywords

• calluses with embryogenic structures
• cloning
• coconut palm
• in vitro anther culture
• in vitro ovaries culture