Influence of 2, 4-d and TDZ on direct organogenesis in coconut var. east coast tall

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the major tropical crops which provide cash and subsistence to small and marginal farmers. However, coconut cultivation faces number of acute problems including biotic and abiotic stresses that led to reduction in production and productivity. Quality seedlings are fundamental for the establishment and rejuvenation of coconut plantations. Plant tissue culture is a promising approach for the production of quality planting material. In the present investigation, mature embryos from 11-12 months old nuts of variety East Coast Tall were sliced and cultured on modified Y3 media containing TDZ and 2,4-D. Among the treatments studied, Y3 media supplemented with 150 µM TDZ documented highest shoot initiation (75%) and regeneration percentage (66.66%). In the treatments where modified Y3 media was supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-D and TDZ, shoot initiation and shoot regeneration was either minimum or not observed. Presence of 2,4-D in combination with TDZ in modified Y3 media, affected the organogenetic pathway of regeneration in coconut var. East Coast Tall.