Embryogenic calli induced in interspecific (Elaeis guineensis x E. oleifera) hybrid zygotic embryos
Paula Cristina da Silva Angelo; Ricardo Lopes; Larissa Alexandra Cardoso Moraes and Raimundo Nonato Vieira da Cunha
Abstract: The hybridization between oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and caiaué (E. oleifera) plants is directed to obtain progenies presenting high yields like oil palm but with reduced shoot height and resistance to lethal yellowing like caiaué. Cloning F1, BC1, and BC2, progenies can make the replication of selection trials easier. The objective of this work was to induce somatic embryogenesis in interspecific zygotic embryos collected 100 days after pollination. Three progenies were cultivated in an induction medium developed for Tenera (E. guineensis tp. dura x pisifera) embryos. The number of embryos bearing calli and germinating was recorded and submitted to the Z test. Calli were weighted and submitted to histological analysis. Progenies differed in the number of embryos presenting plumules and calli simultaneously. By the ninth month, the apices of incompletely developed somatic embryos were observed protruding from the surfaces of nodular calli. Highly embryogenic and friable secondary calli producing globular somatic embryos were not observed.