Abstract Regeneration of embryoids derived from anther culture and the production of artificial seeds in Pometia pinnata

R&D Centre for Biotechnology LIPI, Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46 Cibinong 16911, P.O.Box 422 Bogor, Indonesia

Received IO December 1999 / Accepled 1 June 2000

Abstract.
An attempt to increase maturation and regeneration of embryoids derived from anther culture of Pometia pinnata was conducted by applying different composition of medium, desiccation and incubation conditions to different ranges of size of embryoids. The effects of glutamine alone (I mg/1) or in combination with ABA (2 mg/1) added to half strength WP medium, or ABA alone added to full strength WP medium containing 0.01 mg/1 NAA and I mg/1 kinetin on three ranges of embryoid sizes i.e. 1 3mm, 3 5 mm, 5 8 mm were compared. Some embryoids or clumps of embryogenic callus were dessicated, by culturing them on a Whatman filter paper placed on semi solid half strength WP medium. Some embryoids were incubated in the dark and compared to those incubated under light. Various factors affecting the storage and germination of encapsulated embryos as artificial seeds, were also investigated. Results showed that all the factors assessed played critical roles in the maturation and regeneration of embryoids. The ability of 60% encapsulated embryoids to germinate after storage of up to 20 days in empty petri dishes enabled them to be treated as seeds.

Keywords: Embryonic callus, embryoids, anther culture, artificial seeds, regeneration