Embryogenic callus initiation from leaf explants of Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis (OxG) hybrids

Abstract

Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis (OxG) hybrid is an oil palm interspecific crossbreed to produce a variety with better oil quality, slow stem growth, and resistance to bud rot disease. However, one of the problems in OxG hybrid breeding program is an inefficiency in the conventional propagation method, while the protocol for OxG hybrid tissue culture has not been established yet in Indonesia. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) using a temporary immersion system (TIS) will be used for OxG clonal propagation as it has been established successfully in E. guineensis. Explants were young leaves derived from genotypes of selected F1 and backcross (BC) of OxG hybrids where the E. oleifera was originated in Brazil and Suriname. Callus initiation used eight media with various compositions of minerals, hormones, and active charcoal. Initial callus emerged in 8-10 weeks after culture. The average of callogenesis frequency was 3.49% in F1 and 5.59% in BC hybrid explants, with the highest at 10.73% occurred in BC Brazil. Callogenesis of OxG hybrid showed a high potency as callogenesis of E. guineensis. The callus had nodular structure which was potentially embryogenic. After 3 cultures, some of the embryogenic calli were transferred to TIS for somatic embryo induction.