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Embryogenesis of 'albescens'-type of oil palm (<i>Elaeis guineensis</i> Jacq.) in Eeuwens medium


J.N. Ebube
C.N.C. Nwaoguala
O.J. Odewale

Abstract

The growth response of zygotic embryos of 'Albescens'- type of 'tenera' oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) using Eeuwens medium, supplemented with 1-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) was investigated. The respective concentrations (0.00 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, 0.10 mg/L) of NAA and BAP were used singly and in combination. Zygotic embryos extracted from the 'Tenera-albescens' type of oil palm were sterilized and inoculated in Eeuwens media containing the various combinations of growth regulators. The cultures were incubated in the dark room at 26oC, 50-60% relative humidity and later transferred to the light room at 26oC, 50-60% relative humidity at 16 hr photoperiod. Subcultures were carried out at intervals of 4 weeks. Data were collected on days to shoot and root emergence, shoot length at 3 weeks after inoculation (WAI), root length and plant height at 4, 6, 8 and 10 WAI, number of leaves and roots at 10 WAI. The results showed that the concentrations of NAA and BAP singly and in combinations had significant (p < 0.05) effect on in vitro plant regeneration and plantlet development. However, synergistic effect of the two plant growth regulators as supplements were optimal for all growth parameters measured.

Keywords:  Elaeis guineensis, 'Albescens', dormancy, germination, Eeuwens, in vitro


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print ISSN: 0189-1731