Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea)

An efficient and simple system for inducing somatic embryogenesis and regenerating plantlets from immature zygotic embryos of acai palm (Euterpe oleracea) has been developed. Embryogenic calli (ECs) were induced from immature zygotic embryos of acai palm on Murashige and Skoog (MS) modified medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram. Embryogenic frequency was dependent on auxin type and concentration. The optimal concentration of picloram for the high-frequency induction of embryogenic calli (72%) was 225 μM. ECs were then subcultured on a differentiation and maturation medium composed of MS modified medium with 2-isopentenyladenine and naphthaleneacetic acid with subcultures at 4-week intervals. SEs were converted to plants on MS modified medium with half-strength macro- and micronutrients, 20 g l−1 sucrose, and 2.5 g l−1 activated charcoal and gelled with 2.5 g l−1 Phytagel. Detailed morpho anatomical changes during the different stages of somatic embryogenesis were characterized. The development of SEs was asynchronous, and ontogenic studies confirmed that the initial cell divisions occur in the epidermal and subepidermal regions of the zygotic embryos. Broad base attachment of SEs to the epidermis indicates the presence of a suspensor.