Micropropagation of sugar palm (arenga pinnata wurmb merr.) / Nazatul Asikin Muda

A micropropagation protocol of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Wurmb Merr.) through seed culture, embryo culture, organ culture (direct organogenesis), callus culture and somatic embryogenesis using different type of explants (i.e. immature embryos, tender leaf of palm heart and different parts of aseptic seedlings such as leaf, upper stem, basal stem and roots) has been developed. Cultures responded differently to the different type and concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) used in the artificial nutrient medium (MS). Seed culture and embryo culture through in vitro germination method were carried out to facilitate rapid and uniform growth of aseptic seedlings; which were later used as source of explants. Optimal establishment of aseptic seedlings (100%) was obtained through embryo culture on MS basal medium (MS0) within 7-8 weeks following inoculation. Dormancy of mature seeds used could not be broken under in vitro condition.