Plantlet regeneration through somatic embroyogenesis in different cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) varieties using flower staminodes
2019
Dizon, A.P.R. | Zara, R.R. | Espino, M.R.M. | Perez, E.A. | Caliwagan, S.M. | Espino, R.R.C.
Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is generally propagated either by seeds or asexually through cuttings and grafting. An alternative method is by means of somatic embryogenesis. In this study, the protocol developed by Li et al. (1998) on somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration with staminodes as explants of cacao was used with some modifications to produce plantlets of NSIC-registered varieties, namely 'BR 25', 'K1', 'K2', 'K9', 'PBC 123' 'UF 18' and 'UIT'. The staminodes of 'K1', 'K9' and 'UIT' were the most responsive in terms of producing somatic embryos. The first globular somatic embryo was produced 84 days after transfer to an embryo development (ED) medium. During the early stage of development, globular embryos were yellowish or creamy white. These embryos further developed into torpedo-shaped after about 2 week of dark incubation in the ED medium. Among the cacao varieties used. 'K9' produced the highest number of somatic embryos per staminode explants (6 somatic embryos per explant). The somatic embryos were allowed to germinate and further develop into plantlets in a modified plant regeneration medium. The varieties 'K1', 'K9', 'UF 18' and 'UIT' produced plantlets with up to 4 leaves and 1-2 roots nearly 10 months after staminode implantation. Currently, the plantlets are being maintained in the same culture medium until ready for field establishment. The use of amino acids in the culture medium to increase conversion of somatic embryos to plantlets is now being explored.
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