Morphological variation of somatic embryos obtained from banana inflorescences

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis is an alternative for genetic breeding of plant species when associated to genetic transformation techniques. Regeneration of plantlets from somatic embryos relies on somatic embryo quality, among other factors. In this work, banana somatic embryos with different morphological characteristics are described. Banana somatic embryogenesis was obtained from functional male inflorescences in induction medium (MI) followed by subculture to germination medium MG, in the absence of light. Induction under a 16-h photoperiod did not favor the embryogenic formation. In absence of light, inflorescence explants of the cultivar Nanicão Jangada responded by several morphogenic responses. Induction of embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus, development of somatic embryos, continuity of the flower bud development or oxidation of the explants were observed in the cultures. The frequency of embryogenic response was low, with only 6% of the explants forming somatic embryos, while 23% showed the formation of embryogenic callus. Histological and morphological studies presented the formation of two types of somatic embryos: one resembling the zygotic embryo of Musa acuminata, and the other type showing more similarity to the zygotic embryo of other monocotyledonous species, indicating that in one somatic embryogenic protocol different morphological patterns can be observed. In addition to the formation of somatic embryos, continuity in the development of floral buds was frequently observed.