Development of Synthetic Seeds Derived from Coleoptile of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) through Somatic Embryogenesis

Abstract

Developing synthetic seed by encapsulation technique have been considered to support seedling production for facilitating sugarcane conservation and distribution in large and wide scale. Synthetic seed technology has high potential application for supporting sugarcane seedlings production. This study investigated a comprehensively synthetic seeds production derived from somatic embryo at coleoptile stage in sugarcane including callus production, molecular analysis of somatic embryogenesis genes, up to synthetic seeds germination and regeneration. Results showed that 4 mg L-1 of 2, 4-D was better for inducing embryogenic callus production whereas lower 2,4-D combined with L-proline and casein hydrolysate was required to increase cell growth and the number of formed coleoptiles. The SERK, BBM, and LEC were identified in embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus formed during induction stage. Sugarcane coleoptiles were optimum to be encapsulated in 3% of sodium alginate concentration. After 48 days incubation in regeneration media, plantlet in 3% of sodium alginate resulted in better growth and development particularly in number of plantlet formation and height.