Effect of activated charcoal and coconut water on in vitro growth of coconut (cocos nucifera L.) zygotic embryos

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) especially var. Xiem Xanh Dwarf is one of the most valuable palm crops with high growing demand due to its versatility. Reduction in coconut cultivation area has raised the urgent need to develop in vitro techniques that can overcome the obstacles of the traditional breeding method. Embryo culture is one of the earliest forms of in vitro culture applied to practical problems and is probably the tissue culture technique that has proven of greatest value to breeders. Activated charcoal (AC) and coconut water (CW) are two factors that influence growth and development of embryos in tissue culture. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of activated charcoal in combination with coconut water on the in vitro growth and development of coconut zygotic embryos. Zygotic embryos extracted from Xiem Xanh Dwarf fruit (10 to 12 months post pollination) collected from Ben Tre were cultured on Y3 medium enriched with 0, 10 and 20% (v/v) CW and 0; 1.25; 2.5, and 5 g L-1 AC. The addition of 2.5 g L-1 AC to Y3 germination medium was the most efficient for germination of coconut zygotic embryos. Meanwhile, the addition of 10% CW in combination with 2.5 and 5 g L-1 AC yielded highest shoot growth and plant fresh weight. The findings from this study can further serve as a reference for the establishment of in vitro propagation methods for coconut and Palm family. Keywords: Activated charcoal Coconut Coconut water Fresh weight Germination Shoot length Zygotic embryo