Indirect somatic embryogenesis from mature inflorescence explants of date palm

Abstract

Due to the limitations associated with shoot tip explants in the micropropagation of date palm, inflorescence explants are an ideal alternative. This chapter focuses on the protocol for the induction of callus from inflorescence tissue, establishment for proliferation of somatic embryos, germination, elongation, rooting, and acclimatization. Female inflorescences, 30–40 cm in length, cv. Shaishee, were used for culture initiation. After disinfection, the outer inflorescence cover (spathe) is cut open, and the spikelet explants, 1 cm long, are cultured on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 100 mg/L 2,4-D, 3 mg/L kinetin, and 3 mg/L 2ip and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C in the dark. Callus obtained after 6–8 months of culturing is transferred to the culture medium to induce somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. Well-developed regenerated shoots are cultured on MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L NAA for root induction and plantlets acclimatized in the greenhouse before transfer to the field.