Abstract
This is a first report on direct somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis of taro (<i>Colocasia esculenta</i> var. <i>esculenta</i>) using axillary meristem explants. Best somatic embryogenesis was observed in cultures that were established on Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS medium) containing 10 µM 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) and 2 µM thidiazuron (TDZ) and then transferred on medium with 5 µM TDZ. MS medium containing 3 μM gibberellic acid (GA) and 4.5% sucrose proved best for inducing germination in somatic embryos which converted into 20.0 ± 3.46 complete plantlets per embryo cluster per explant on ½ strength MS basal salts with 1% sucrose. Best organogenesis was observed in cultures that were established on MS medium containing 2 µM TDZ and then transferred on medium with 5 µM TDZ. Subsequent transfer of these cultures on MS medium with 5 µM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 7.5 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) resulted in maximum shoot multiplication. MS medium containing 2 µM IAA proved best for inducing rooting in multiplied shoots. Both direct somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis resulted in mass and rapid production of taro plantlets which were acclimatized and field transferred. Vigorous plant growth and healthy corm production was observed in the field. This in vitro propagation method of taro through direct somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis is significantly reliable over prevailing methods available for other cultivars and provides sustainable means of quality taro production in the Pacific and the Caribbean region where non-availability of elite seedlings is a limiting issue.
Highlights
Taro (Colocasia esculenta), a monocotyledonous, succulent, glabrous and perennial herb, is a staple food crop in many island nations in the Pacific and the Caribbean [15]
Best somatic embryogenesis was observed in axillary meristem explants that were incubated for a period of 16 weeks in CP1 on MS medium augmented with 10 μM 2,4-D and 2 μM TDZ (Table 1) and were transferred on MS medium augmented with 5 μM TDZ for 12 weeks during CP2 (Table 2)
During CP1, very small greenish-yellow nodular structures with smooth surface appeared on axillary meristem between bases of leaf petiole after 12 weeks of incubation which continued to enlarge for another 4 weeks
Summary
Taro (Colocasia esculenta), a monocotyledonous, succulent, glabrous and perennial herb, is a staple food crop in many island nations in the Pacific and the Caribbean [15]. Grown for its edible corms, leaves and petioles; nutritionally, taro is rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C [16]. Taro has attained a special economic and socio-cultural significance in the Pacific islands where in addition to being a significant constituent of every day diet, it is used in cultural dishes and traditional ceremonies [20]. Esculenta varieties that produce a large corm with few cormels are preferred over Colocasia esculenta var. Esculenta) is the first choice of most islanders because of its favorable corm texture, color, taste, and salt tolerance [25] Taro (Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta) is the first choice of most islanders because of its favorable corm texture, color, taste, and salt tolerance [25]
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