Establishment of protocol for embryo culture and acclimatization of cocus nucifera (l.) (cv: west African tall)

2019

English

A semi-solidified medium containing 60g/l sucrose, 2mg/l NAA, 4mg/l BAP and 3g/l activated charcoal for the culture of coconut embryos was developed using Cocus nucifera (L.)(cv). West Africa Tall. Matured embryos were culture on Murashige and Skoogs’ basal medium containing 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/l Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP). Embryos were also cultured on medium supplemented with 30 and 60g/l sucrose in combination with 2 and 4 mg/l BAP. Expansion, germination, scale and photosynthetic leaf production were measured. The effect of excision of primary roots on further development and post-flask survival of regenerated plantlets were also studied. The media used significantly affected the length of roots, number of shoots and number of leaves formed. The duration of culture significantly affected all traits except the number of leaves produced. The interaction between media used and the duration of culture were significant for the expansion of embryos and the number of secondary roots produced. Embryo cultured in the dark for 12 weeks showed germination percentage between 18.18 and 75% (p≤ 0.05) and diameter between 3.55 and 9.63mm (p≤ 0.01). Sucrose at 60 g/l enhanced in vitro development in all parameters evaluated of coconut embryos. Benzyl Amino Purine at 4mg/l was most effective in supporting culture development. The study also established that excision of primary root during transfer of cultures significantly improved the development of secondary roots (p≤ 0.005) and true leaf (p≤ 0.028). In vitro plants successfully established on Fertiplus potting media and its composites during acclimatization. These results could facilitate the collection, exchange and conservation of elite germplasm of Cocus nucifera

Bissah, M. N.; Osei-Bonsu, A.; Arhin, L.; Ando-Mensah, E.; Appiah-Kubi, D.; Osei-Diko, G.; Gyamfua, G.; Quain, M. D.