Somatic embryogenesis in Acrocomia aculeata Jacq. (Lodd.) ex Mart using the thin cell layer technique

Considering the necessity of Acrocomia aculeata propagation for large-scale production, the aim of this study was to establish a somatic embryogenesis protocol using the thin cell layer (TCL) technique. Aerial parts of in vitro plants were transversally cut at the base into eight TCLs and placed in a culture medium for callus induction. The induction medium was composed of Y3 salts and Morel's vitamins and supplemented with 150, 300 or 600 mu M picloram. After 12 weeks the calli were transferred to a medium supplemented with BAP or 2-iP (12.5 or 25 mu M). After 18 weeks, the somatic embryo clusters were transferred to a conversion medium (plant growth regulator-free medium). Primary callus induction rate was higher in the first three TCLs and in media containing 150 or 300 mu M picloram. The best maturation results were obtained in medium containing 12.5 mu M 2-iP or 12.5 mu M BAR Few somatic embryos converted into plants. The histological analyses showed that callus induction started adjacent to vascular bundles after two days of culture, and somatic embryos arose in the periphery of nodular calli. This study showed that the TCL embryogenesis protocol is promising for in vitro multiplication of A. aculeata.