Micro-propagation of a New Strain of Date Palm via Inflorescences Culture

Abstract

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a fruit-bearing tree that demonstrates resilience to the harsh climatic conditions commonly found in the hot arid regions of the North Africa and Middle East. Inflorescence explants derived from date palm have demonstrated significant potential as a means for the micro-propagation of elite cultivars, as well as rare male and female specimens, due to the successful achievement of organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. These plant materials are readily available each year, making them an economical and effective source of explants.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of Picloram and Thidiazuron on optimizing callus formation and the induction of somatic embryos in date palm using inflorescence explants. The impact of various concentrations of Picloram and TDZ was analyzed concerning callus induction, browning rates, and the formation of embryogenic callus. The findings indicated that a concentration of 10.0 mg/l Picloram significantly enhanced the percentage of explants that induced callus formation (90.2%) while simultaneously reducing the degree of browning (1.0). The optimal induction of somatic embryos from floral parts was observed with a combination of 1.0 mg/l Picloram and 2.0 mg/l Thidiazuron, along with 0.1 mg/l ABA. In contrast, the highest percentage of embryo germination (54.0%) and the most significant number of embryos (26 embryos/culture) were recorded with a ¾ MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l NAA, 0.25 mg/l BA, and an additional 0.2 mg/l ABA. Furthermore, the combination of 3.0 mg/l TDZ and 1.0 mg/l BA with 0.5 mg/l NAA was crucial in enhancing and regulating shoot regeneration. IBA is recognized as a superior hormone for promoting root development. The acclimatization success rate for the plantlets that were cultivated reached 75%.