Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from leaf and inflorescence explants of arecanut (Areca catechu L.)

Abstract

A protocol for arecanut tissue culture was evolved and observed to be repeatable. It was first standardized with leaf explants excised from one-year-old seedlings and later modified for immature inflorescence sampled from adult palms. The protocol was also tested with different arecanut varieties. The basal medium used was MS. Picloram was found to be the most suitable callogenic agent for both types of explants as well as for the varieties tried. Serial transfer of explants from high to low auxin concentration was essential for sustained growth of callus and somatic embryo induction. Somatic embryogenesis was achieved in hormone-free MS medium. Somatic embryos were germinated in MS medium supplemented with cytokinin; 20 mM BA was found to be the best. No variation was noticed for callus initiation, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet development in different varieties except for the period of culturing. To achieve rapid growth and development of germinated somatic embryos, MS liquid medium supplemented with 5 mM BA was used. Plantlets with 2–4 leaves and good root system were veined using sand : soil (5 : 1) potting mixture.