Somatic Embryogenesis Induction in Leaf and Root Explants of Allophylus edulis (A.St.-Hil., Cambess. and A. Juss.) Radlk.

Abstract

Allophylus edulis (A.St.-Hil., Cambess. and A. Juss.) Radlk., commonly known as cocum, belongs to the Sapindaceae family. This species is of great medicinal interest, with studies showing that its fruits have antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, and cytotoxic activity. In addition, it is used in traditional medicine as an antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive. The objective of this study was to perform somatic embryogenesis in vitro from leaf and root explants of Allophylus edulis, using different 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations combined with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). All treatments exhibited 100% callus formation, except for the treatment without supplementation of growth regulators. The calluses developed in treatments from leaf explants showed up to two colors (brown and brown/cream), and the highest fresh and dry mass was observed in the treatment with 0.5 mg L-1 of BAP with 0.1 mg L-1 of NAA. There was no shoot formation from the leaf explants. The callogenesis in treatments from root segments showed callus formation with up to three colors (brown, brown/cream, and cream/green), and the highest fresh and dry mass was obtained when cultivated with 2.0 mg L-1 of BAP combined with 0.1 mg L-1 of NAA. These auxin and cytokinin concentrations also showed a higher number of shoots. The interaction between auxin and cytokinin is recommended to obtain somatic embryogenesis in root segments and callus with morphological characteristics suitable for organogenesis.   ********* In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 4, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue. *********