In vitro germination and embryogenic competence acquisition of Euterpe edulis Martius immature zygotic embryos

Cleber Witt Saldanha,Maisa Pimentel Martins-Corder

doi:10.1590/s1984-70332012000300002

Cleber Witt Saldanha, Maisa Pimentel Martins-Corder

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1984-70332012000300002

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Abstract

This study evaluated different aspects of in vitro germination and embryogenic competence of immature zygotic embryos of E. edulis. The embryos germinated on full or half-strength MS (MS or MS/2) medium combined with sucrose (20, 30 and 40 g L-1). The effect of calcium chloride concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 mM) on the induction of somatic embryogenesis was tested. The embryos were germinated on MS or MS/2. Germination of zygotic embryos and the number of roots per plantlet were not affected by the culture medium and sucrose concentration. Plantlet height and fresh weight were influenced by both; the difference was greatest in MS medium with 40 g L-1 sucrose. The induction of somatic embryogenesis was not influenced by doses of calcium chloride, whereas the number of somatic embryos formed was affected. The germination capacity of somatic embryos of heart-of-palm tree was not influenced by the media tested.

Highlights

Heart-of-palm tree (Euterpe edulis) has been propagated by seeds only, which lose their germinating power after a few months, preventing long-term storage (Carvalho 2003)
This study evaluated different aspects of in vitro germination and embryogenic competence of immature zygotic embryos of E. edulis
The induction of somatic embryogenesis was not influenced by doses of calcium chloride, whereas the number of somatic embryos formed was affected

Summary

Introduction

Heart-of-palm tree (Euterpe edulis) has been propagated by seeds only, which lose their germinating power after a few months, preventing long-term storage (Carvalho 2003). The species can be exploited for palm heart and fruit pulp production in a sustainable way, intercropped with another palm heart–producing species (Bactris gasipaes) with a shorter cutting cycle than heart-of-palm tree (Cembraneli et al 2009). For this purpose, additional strategies must be developed for the preservation of the species and for propagation on a large scale. The in vitro propagation of palms has awakened interest, for facilitating the propagation of elite plantlets on a commercial scale to produce pathogen-free plants and accelerate breeding programs (Ledo et al 2001). In vitro production of palm trees on a commercial scale is rare

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