Morphogenetic potential of different sources of explants for efficient in vitro regeneration of Genipa sp.

Genipa americana L. is a species with high economic potential with considerable promise in the fruit, medicinal and agroindustrial fields. The in vitro cultivation of genipapo is an alternative that may overcome the difficulties imposed by the traditional propagation system, allowing the multiplication of plants on a large scale and using technologies in conservation programs and to improve phytopharmaceutical production. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the morphogenetic potentials of different sources of explants to establish an efficient system for in vitro regeneration of G. americana. For callus induction, shoots differentiation and further plant regeneration, segments of hypocotyl, root and leaf from in vitro established seedlings were used. The explants were inoculated in MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at concentrations of 0.0, 1.12, 2.25 and 3.37mgL(-1). The morphogenetic pattern and regeneration capacity showed correlations with the explant source and BAP concentration. MS medium supplemented with 1.12mgL(-1) BAP proved to be optimum for adventitious shoots induction in segments hypocotyl. It was possible to obtain a efficient protocol for the in vitro regeneration of G. americana that allowed high shoot regeneration rates (80%) using hypocotyl segments with low concentrations of BAP (1.12mgL(-1)). The regenerated plantlets showed a high capacity for acclimatization, presenting 90% survival rate 30days after exposure to the ex vitro conditions.