Morfogênese in vitro de nim a partir de explantes cotiledonares

Abstract

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, popularly known as neem, is a woody species widely used because of its insecticide, fungicide, bactericide, and nematicide properties. Seeds of neem were inoculated in WPM (Wood Plant Medium) containing different concentrations of gibberelic acid (GA3) (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mg L-1). After 30 days, cotyledons were inoculated in WPM supplemented with 0.0; 1.0; 2.0 and 3.0 mg L-1 acid 2,4-phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and/or 0.0; 1.0; 2.0 and 3.0 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The cultures were kept in the dark at 28 ºC. Differentiated calli were evaluated based on their coloration and texture, and three subcultures were carried out on a monthly basis in WPM medium with 2.0 mg L-1 BAP, in the presence of light. Every 30 days, the number of differentiated shoot-buds was evaluated. WPM medium lacking GA3 promoted the highest in vitro seed germination indexes. Cotyledonary-derived explants cultured in WPM medium with 2.0 mg L-1 BAP yielded calli with high morphogenic potential. When those calli were transferred to medium with similar composition, a high shoot formation was achieved up to the third subculture.