Enhancing the regeneration of TIS-derived somatic embryos of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with CaCl2 and GA3

Abstract

Abstract Micropropagation of oil palm through somatic embryogenesis (SE) technique provides clonal and uniform seedlings as high-quality planting materials for plantation. However, a problem associated with oil palm SE is the low regeneration rate of the somatic embryos. It was revealed that nutrient balance played a vital role in the success of SE regeneration. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the balance between a macronutrient, calcium, and the germination-inducing hormone, Gibberellin (GA3) in enhancing the regeneration of the oil palm somatic embryos derived from the Temporary Immersion System (TIS). Treatments consist of various concentrations of CaCl2 (440, 880, or 1320 mg L-1) and enrichment of GA3 (2 or 4 mg L-1) applied into SE regeneration media, followed by the observation of regeneration rate and shoot tip necrosis after five weeks of culture. The study revealed that CaCl2 in the concentration of 880 mg L-1 was the best in stimulating oil palm TIS-derived SE regeneration. A higher concentration of GA3 (4 mg L-1) was needed in the first transition of SE from TIS into SE regeneration media in solid culture, while further SE-derived shoots development needed a lower concentration of GA3.