Activated coconut shell charcoal as a component of tissue culture media of Cocos nucifera L.

In vitro culture media of Cocos nucifera L. (coconut) requires a guaranteed source of activated charcoal with consistent characteristics for reliable results. Activated coconut shell charcoal (ACSC) was tested as a component of the media since a continuous supply of a particular type of activated charcoal with the same origin and characteristics was guaranteed by the manufacturer. Immature zygotic embryos of coconut (variety Sri Lanka Tall) were cultured in basal medium supplemented with two different types of ACSC (A and B) (Haycarb PLC) and BDH charcoal (control).The optimum 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) levels to be used with different activated charcoal types were also assessed by culturing of explants and HPLC. The more suitable ACSC type was further tested by culturing plumule explants of coconut. The study revealed that in the presence of suitable concentrations of 2,4-D, media with both ACSC types could produce calli at frequencies comparable to that of the control. Considering the production of calli and mixing qualities of activated charcoal with the medium, ACSC-B was selected as the better ACSC type for coconut callogenesis. In the presence of 175.0 μM 2,4-D, the selected ACSC-B induced callusing in 63 and 65 % of immature zygotic embryos and plumules while the control produced 63 and 70 % callusing in respective tissues.

Keywords: Activated coconut shell charcoal, callogenesis, Cocos nucifera L., tissue culture.

J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2010 38 (3):181-185

Doi: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v38i3.2307