In vitro embryo rescue of interspecific hybrids of oil palm (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis)

Abstract

The oil palm (Elaeis guineennsis Jacq.) is the plant with major oil yield in tropical areas over the world. Pará state is the major producer of Brazil. However, the production of resistant hybrids (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guinennsis) to several diseases is necessary, in spite of less productive, is a viable alternative for areas where occur more aggressive diseases. The aim of this research was to rescue in vitro embryos of four varieties of interspecific hybrids of oil palm (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis) in different media. Four varieties were tested: (1) Cj-2141; (2) CI-2061; (3) Cj-502 and (4) Cj-494. Four media were tested: (T1) half strength MS medium (½ MS), (T2) MS, (T3) MS + 0.5mg L-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and (T4) ½ MS+ 0.5mg.L-1 NAA and BAP. All media were supplemented with 0.17g.L-1 NaH2PO4, activated charcoal (0.25%), sucrose (3%) and solidified with phytagel (0.2%). The most germination rate of interspecific hybrids embryos was obtained on ½ MS medium, supplemented with 0.17g.L-1 NaH2PO4, activated charcoal (0.25%), sucrose (3%) and solidified with phytagel (0.2%). The variety CI-2061 presents the best capacity to develop normal seedlings.