Abstract
Different concentrations of growth regulators and three types of explants were investigated for their efficiency on callus induction in Telfairia occidentalis with a view of providing baseline information for the development of a callus initiation protocol. Three concentrations of kinetin (KN) (0.1, 3.3 and 5.0 mg/L) in combination with two concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (2.0 and 5.0 mg/L) and two concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.25 and 0.5 mg/L) in combination with 0.25 mg/L benzyl adenine (BA) were tested for their effect on callus induction from stem, leaf and nodal explants collected from field-grown Telfairia plants. Media supplemented with 2,4-D in combination with kinetin gave the highest cumulative percent callus induction. With regards to cumulative percentage callus induction and total callus produced, media supplemented with BA alone was better than media supplemented with kinetin alone. Irrespective of the growth regulator type, percent callus induction was not significantly different among explant types. The study concluded that, 2,4-D is a better auxin for high callus induction in T. occidentalis explants as compared to NAA. However, there is still a need to test the effect of 2,4-D in combination with BA on callus induction. Key words: Telfairia occidentalis, callus initiation, 2,4-D, BA, kinetin.
Highlights
Telfairia occidentalis Hook F. commonly called fluted pumpkin is one of the native vegetables of Nigeria and found in the moist coastal areas of West Africa (Ajayi et al, 2007; Odiaka et al, 2008)
Callus was not induced on leaf explants inoculated on media supplemented with 5.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 3.3 mg/L kinetin but, there was 60% callus induction on leaf explants inoculated on media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D in combination with 5.0 mg/L kinetin (Figure 1A)
Percentage callus induction of stem explants was highest on media supplemented with 0.25 mg/L benzyl adenine (BA) and 0.25 mg/L
Summary
Telfairia occidentalis Hook F. commonly called fluted pumpkin is one of the native vegetables of Nigeria and found in the moist coastal areas of West Africa (Ajayi et al, 2007; Odiaka et al, 2008). The leaves are rich in protein (29%), fat (18%) as well as minerals and vitamins (20%) (Akanbi et al, 2007). The leaves are rich in iron as a result of which fresh leaf concoction is used as a health tonic for the treatment of anaemia (Akoroda, 1990; Schippers, 2000).
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