Embryogenic callus induction of Indonesian Cassava (Menti and Adira 4) on different picloram concentrations

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important staple crop in tropic countries. A reproducible somatic embryogenic callus production will be useful in the biotechnology breeding program for plants including cassava. Menti and Adira-4 are two types of high yield cassava genetic resources in Indonesia. Immature leaf lobes from cassava in vitro were used as explants on MS basal medium with five level concentrations of Picloram: 0 mg L−1, 3 mg L−1, 5 mg L−1, 10 mg L−1, and 12 mg L−1. Initial embryogenic callus were seen on the explants in 2 weeks after treatment. Explants were then subcultured to the same medium every three weeks until three cycles of subculture to proliferate pro-embryos. Result showed that MS basal medium containing picloram 3 – 12 mg L−1 could induce embryogenic callus formation in Menti and Adira 4 immature leaf lobe explants. The highest percentage of explants forming embryogenic callus was on D medium (MS + 3 mg L−1 Picloram). These findings would suggest that at all picloram concentrations tested both varieties of cassava showed a high embryogenic callus production. High frequency on embryogenic callus formation is a key step in cassava regeneration system specifically to support the modern breeding program.