Authors:

Abstract

Plumule tissues have found to be more responsive explants for clonal
propagation of coconut. In the present study, the feasibility of using plumule
explants for clonal propagation of a local coconut variety (Sri Lanka Tall)
was assessed. Plumules were cultured in three basal media (MS, Y3 and
72) supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (24 - 400 \M)
and activated charcoal. Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration
were induced by incorporating of abscisic acid (ABA) into the medium.
Attempts were made to improve plant regeneration by applying high agar
concentration-induced water stress, cytokinin or silver nitrate in combination
with ABA.
The results revealed that callus can be initiated from plumule explants
cultured in all three basal media tested. The callus formation depended on
the concentration of 2,4-D in the media and the best effect was observed
with the lower level (24 jiM) tested. The plant regeneration frequency
observed with ABA treatment was 4.4 %. The combination of ABA with high
agar concentration-induced water stress doubled the plant regeneration
frequency. About 50 % of the regenerated plants could be successfully
acclimatized and field planted.
The results of the study indicate the possibility of regenerating plants from
plumule explants of coconut. The method can be used for multiplication of
improved seed material. However, the plant regeneration efficiency should
be further improved for mass scale propagation of coconut using plumule
explants.

Keywords: clonal propagation, plumule explants, plant regeneration

How to Cite: Fernando, S.C., Weerakoon, L.K. and Gunathilake, T.R., 2009. MICROPROPAGATION OF COCONUT THROUGH PLUMULE CULTURE. COCOS, 16, pp.01–10. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cocos.v16i0.1003