A Report on the Culture of Embryos of Dwarf Coconut, Cocos nucifera L var nana In vitro

The possibility of culturing excised embryos of coconut, Cocos nucifera L. var. nana in vitro has been investigated. Embryos were excised from nuts harvested 10-11 months after pollination. Incubation of these embryos in a liquid medium (a modification of Y3 medium, Eeuwens, 1978) at 30-32°C and under a 12hr photoperiod of low light intensity (2.0μEm^-2s^-1) resulted in about 62% of the cultured embryos developing into seedlings. A high concentration of sucrose stimulated haustorium development and subsequent root initiation. A significant retardation in growth of the embryos and complete cessation of haustorium development and root initiation occured in the absence of activated charcoal. Four month old seedlings were transplanted successfully into soil. It is concluded that activated charcoal and a high concentration of sucrose are two important factors contributing to successful growth of coconut embryos in vitro.

Attempts were also made to preserve the coconut embryos in culture in a dormant state. A special survival medium which suppresses the growth of the embryos has been developed. 32% of the embryos incubated in the survival medium for a period of 5 months developed into seedlings when transferred to the development medium.  

COCOS, (1985) 3 01-08

doi: 10.4038/cocos.v3i0.815