BA enhances the germination of oil palm somatic embryos derived from embryogenic suspension cultures

Embryogenic suspension cultures of oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) allo w mass propagation of somatic embryos; however regeneration rates are low. Histological observations have revealed that shoot development might be lim ited by the absence of a caulinary meristem. The addition of 6-benzyladenin e during development was found to induce shoot apex differentiation and thu s increased germination rates, by up to 70%. However, multiple shoot format ion was a consequence of a longer period of cytokinin supply during the dev elopment of the embryo. In contrast, a short period of culture on medium wi th 6-benzyladenine at the begining of embryo development was found to resul t in single shoot production.