Androgenic potential in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Conditions for induction of androgenesis in coconut cv. Sri Lanka Tall were studied. Anthers collected from inflorescences at four maturity stages were given heat (38 degrees C) or cold (4 degrees C) pretreatments for 1, 3, 6 and 14 days, either prior to or post inoculation. Three different basal media and different anther densities were also tested. Androgenesis was observed only in anthers collected from inflorescences 3 weeks before splitting (WBS) and after a heat pretreatment at 38 degrees C for 6 days. Modified Eeuwens Y-3 liquid medium supplemented with 100 mu M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.1% activated charcoal and 9% sucrose was effective in inducing an androgenic response. The lowest anther density tested, 10 per petri plate, was found to be the optimal density. When androgenic calli or embryos were subcultured to Y-3 medium containing 66 mu M 2,4-D, followed by transfer to Y-3 medium without plant growth regulators and finally to Y-3 medium containing 5 mu M 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.35 mu M gibberellic acid (GA(3)), plantlets regenerated at a frequency of 7%. Histological study indicated that the calli and embryos originated from the inner tissues of the anthers. Ploidy analysis of calli and embryos showed that they were haploid. This is the first report of successful androgenesis yielding haploid plants from coconut anthers.