Organogenesis from Mature Pecan Cotyledons and Embryonic Axes

Abstract

The regenerative capacity of mature pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] embryonic tissues was demonstrated after pretreating mature nuts to eliminate associated endogenous contaminants. Cultured cotyledon segments were induced to form adventitious roots in a medium with 50 μ m NAA. A regeneration medium with 20 μ m BA and 5 μ m IBA stimulated prolific axillary shoot production from the embryonic axis without causing cotyledon abscission. Cotyledon retention was essential for shoot initiation and long-term development. Eighty-five percent of the shoots emerging from embryonic axes formed at the cotyledonary nodes. Thirty percent of the microshoots rooted on an auxin-free medium after preculture in a medium with 20 μ m IBA. TDZ (25 μ m ) stimulated callus production from the cotyledonary nodes and radicles. Adventitious buds emerged on the callus surface and internally in callus. Chemical names used: a -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); 6-benzylaminopurine (BA); indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); N-phenyl-N'-1,2,3-thidiazol-5-ylurea (TDZ).