THE EFFECT OF THIDIAZURON CONCENTRATIONS ON THE INDUCTION OF COCOA SOMATIC EMBRYOS
Authors: Norasekin, T., Lea, J. and Rosmin, K.
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 14/2022
Keywords: Thidiazuron, induction, primary somatic embryos, Theobroma cacao (cocoa)
Published On: 10/05/2022
Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis provides an effective method of in vitro clonal propagation making it possible to rapidly propagate elite cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) clones for research and production. Adjustment on the concentration of nutrients and plant growth regulator in the culture medium is necessary to increase the efficiency of embryogenic response. This study was conducted to determine the effect of thidiazuron (TDZ) on the induction of primary somatic embryos (SEs) using five recommended clones. Staminodes were excised and cultured on induction medium supplemented with different concentrations of TDZ (3.125 μL/L, 6.25 μL/L, 12.5 μL/L, 25 μL/L, and 50 μL/L). Data obtained suggest that the size of callus produced corresponds with the volume of TDZ added. The percentage of primary SEs observed after eight weeks range from 0% to 80% on each media. Too much TDZ appeared to be toxic to some genotypes of cacao.