Cryopreservation of zygotic embryos and kernels of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

In the present study, the efficiency of two cryopreservation strategies for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) was compared. If extracted from rehydrated kernels, 65% of the embryos desiccated to around 0.3 g H2O/g DW developed into plantlets after cryopreservation. In contrast, only 25% of embryos (0.12 g H2O/g DW) extracted from cryopreserved dry kernels developed into plantlets. However, this value was increased to 63% if kernels were partially rehydrated before freezing until the water content of embryos reached 0.3 g H2O/g DW. This study emphasizes the importance of partial rehydration of oil palm embryos before cryopreservation.