Uptake of 2,4-D in coconut (Cocos nucifera) explants

Abstract

Regeneration of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in vitro has proved to be very difficult, despite the efforts of several research groups [1, 7, 8]. Recent progress has sprung from basic studies on the histological development of the cultures [1, 8], suggesting that further basic research on tissue culture of coconut is required to achieve greater progress in planlet regeneration. The protocol for the regeneration of coconut from inflorescence explants requires, according to Blake [1], an initial preculture of the explants in liquid medium which includes 2,4-D (a key growth regulator for coconut regeneration). It is not known though whether 2,4-D is taken up by the explants during preculture or what the mechanism(s) of uptake of this growth regulator by coconut tissue cultured in vitro are. The present report deals with uptake of 14C-2,4-D in inflorescence explants during preculture.