Initial requirements for embryogenic calluses initiation in thin cell layers explants from immature female oil palm inflorescences

This study highlights procedures for embryogenic calluses induction from immature female inflorescences of oil palm using thin-cell-layers explants (TCL). In three experiments, the ability of calluses induction were examined and identified through different types of basal media, position of the TCL explants in the rachillae and concentrations of 2,4-D and types of antioxidants added into the medium. Samples of embryogenic calluses obtained were isolated and transversal and longitudinal cross sections were obtained and stained for observations in light microscopy. The results achieved suggest that immature female inflorescences of oil palm can be reverted from the floral state to the embryogenic vegetative state and are excellent alternative sources of explants for the induction of somatic embryogenesis. In general, 225 to 450 μM of 2,4-D are required to induce embryogenic callus in explants composed of immature oil palm inflorescences and the composition formed by salts and vitamins of MS medium provides superior results than Y3 medium. The activated charcoal at concentration of 3.0 g l-1 is the most indicated antioxidant for preventing the oxidation of floral oil palm explants and its presence can be considered essential for the formation of embryogenic callus.Key words: Elaeis guineensis, somatic embryogenesis, micropropagation, floral explants, morphogenesis, agroenergy

Determination of optimal condition to obtain the bromelain from pineapple plants produced by micropropagation

This study aimed to obtain the condition of maximum bromalein activity in different parts of pineapple plants produced in vitro, by micropropagation. The sStems and leaves of Pérola and Imperial cultivar plants were evaluated after three and eight months of in vitro cultivation in Murashige and Skoog medium without growth phytoregulator, macerated in potassium phosphate buffer at different pH values (5.7, 6.7 and 7.7). Total protein and proteolytic activity were determined in the samples after three- and eight-month cultivation periods. For both the cultivars, the best results were obtained at pH 5.7 in extraction media. Pérola cultivar, showed higher bromelain activity in the leaves cultivated in vitro for three months (0.0194U/mL) while in the Imperial cultivar, it was higher in the stem after eight months (0.0179 U/mL). Imperial cultivar showed higher bromelain activity than the Pérola's