Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf, root and stem-derived callus cultures of Areca catechu

Abstract

Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis of Areca catechu L. was established using leaf, root and stem segments as explants. Embryogenic callus was induced and maintained on medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) at concentrations 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg dm-3 in darkness. Somatic embryos were found on primary callus in the presence of 2 and 4 mg dm-3 dicamba and during subculture on 2-8 mg dm-3 2,4-D or 2-4 mg dm-3 dicamba-containing media. Plantlet conversion from embryos was successfully achieved on growth regulator-free medium. The plants grew well when transplanted to containers in shaded greenhouse.