In vitro responses of Areca catechu immature embryos on medium containing plant growth regulators

Abstract

Betel (Pinang) nuts are used as herbs, traditional medicine, and in the beverage industry. Planting materials for Areca nut cultivation are seeds. However, the presence of 2 – 3 months dormancy hampers germination of Areca nut seeds. Therefore, developing alternative strategies to overcome such problems is necessary. This study evaluates Areca nut immature embryo in vitro responses on MS medium having various plant growth regulators. The experiments were set up using a single factor in a complete randomized design. The embryos were planted either on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (MS0), MS with a combination of BAP (1 ppm) and NAA (0.1 ppm), or MS medium supplemented with GA3 (3 ppm). Areca nut immature embryos planted on a medium containing BAP (1 ppm) and NAA (0.1 ppm) than that on a medium containing GA3 (3 ppm). The germinated embryos were best on medium supplemented with a combination of BAP (1 ppm) and NAA (0.1 ppm). Immature Areca nut embryos planted on MS0 medium were unable to grow. In conclusion, Areca nut immature embryos may be used as explants for this palm tree’s micropropagation, and the embryos germinated well on a medium containing BAP and NAA.