Effect of culture media, plant growth regulators and genotypes on growth and developmental stages of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) zygotic embryos

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has become the largest traded vegetable oil in the world due to its innumerable uses and its huge economic importance. Which increases the requirement of quality seedling but the conventional seed production limits the commercial seed production with its long germination period and low germination rate. In this context in vitro germination of zygotic embryo could be a promising alternative. Hence in this study the effect of culturing media, plant growth regulators and genotypes were assessed on in vitro regeneration and plantlet development of oil palm zygotic embryos. Zygotic embryos of four elite genotypes were cultured on MS, N6 and Y3 media, with or without plant growth regulators (NAA, BA& GA3-0.2mg/lt). There was no effect of culture media, plant growth regulators and genotypes on germination of zygotic embryos. Whereas on the growth and development of in vitro plantlets, there was a significant effect of culture media and genotypes. Where culture media N6 performs well and Y3 has shown more abnormality. In case of genotypes, genotypes G1 and G2 shown better performance when compared to genotypes G3 and G4. The effect of plant growth regulators on germination and plant growth was non significant.