Germination response of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) zygotic embryo

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of liquid and solid media in the propagation of coconut (Cocos nucifera) zygotic embryos at initiation stage. Eeuwen’s medium supplemented with growth hormones naphthalene acetic acid ( NAA) and indole butyric acid (IBA) at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mg/l) were used for this experiment in both liquid and solid states. Results showed that liquid state medium was better compared to solid state, with a successful shoot emergence of 46.7% of inoculants, compared to 13.3% in the solid state. Within 2 – 4 weeks, 77.8% of germinated zygotic embryo developed shoots in the liquid medium compared to 50% rate in the solid medium. Comparing zygotic embryo development in NAA and IBA, results showed that root yields were better in NAA, with inoculants in 1.5 mg/l NAA showing profuse rooting compared to 0.5 – 2.0 mg/l IBA with no root development. 

Keywords: Coconut, Eeuwen’s medium, hormones, root yield, zygotic embryo