Endogenous hormonal status of embryogenic callus in cocos (Cocos nucifera L.) explants

Abstract

The application of optimum concentrations of hormones according to specific culture stages plays an important role, especially in plants which are concerned lo be recalcitrant for propagation in vitro, like Cocos nucifera L. The teasibility of the clonal propagation of coconut via somatic embryogenesis using inmature inflorescences as source of explants has been demostrated by Branton and Blake (1984). But yet there is no advanced technique for the mass producction of clonal palms available. One reason among others might be the inconsistent in vitro responses of coconut cultures observed In various clonal propagation experiments (Ebert. 1993). The present study was done to elucidate the endogenous hormonal changes In coconut explants, focusing on the 4-months period of embryogenic callus formation in rachilla explant cultures.