Callus induction in Bertholletia excelsa immature seeds

Abstract

Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.,known as Brazil nuttree, belongs to the Lecythidaceae botanic family and is endemic to the AmazonianRegion. Its nuts have high economic and nutritional value. The objective of this work was to establish efficient protocols for callus induction from immature seeds of B.excelsa, as a preliminary step to its further micropropagation. After disinfestation, fragments of immature seeds were cultivated in WPM (Wood Plant Medium) supplemented with 2,4-D (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg.L-1) and TDZ (0, 1.6 and 3.2 mg.L-1) in factorial combination. Twenty-one days later the callus induction was evaluated. Cultures were kept in a growth room in the dark at 24±2ºC. The highest percentage of callus induction was found with the combination of 2 mg.L-12,4-D with 3.2 mg.L-1TDZ.