Conservation of Pisifera Genetic Resources: Callogenesis of 41 Years Old SP540T - Derived Oil Palm

Abstract

Pisifera from SP540T descendants has been widely used for breeding purposes and commercial seed production due to their superior characteristics. However, the reproduction rate of this material was quite low. Therefore, genetic resource conservation of SP540T-derived Pisifera is very important. Tissue culture technology which enables to produce true to type clone is one of the conservation methods. The objective of this work was to know the best tissue culture medium to induce callogenesis of SP540T-derived Pisifera. This experiment used young leaves as the explants and MS medium in the form of MS+110,5 mg/l 2,4-D, MS+110,5 mg/l 2,4-D+activated charcoal, and MS modification of PPKS's Tissue Culture Protocol medium as a comparison. The results showed that MS+110,5 mg/l 2,4-D+activated charcoal produced 13.00% calli, which was the highest percentage of callogenesis and was significantly different than the other treatments. Based on the results, the medium can be used for multiplication and conservation of Pisifera from SP540T descendants.