induction of somatic embriogénesis in cocos nucifera l. from immature inflorescences

Including all the methods of vegetative multiplication, the somatic embryogenesis is the most promising for coconut multiplication. Immature inflorescences of Coppery Malay from different ages trees were used. Three concentrations of 2,4-D were used (70, 90 and 110 mg.l-1) in the culture medium. Differences were observed in the browning (phenolic compounds) of the explants depending on the age of the spates, explants from spates between 1.0 to 2.5 cm not show browning while more than 17.0 cm show browning until death. The somatic embryos began to be observed approximately from 45 days of the start the experiment without previous calli formation. Significant differences were observed in the somatic embryogenesis formation in order of the age of the spates and the concentrations of 2,4-D. The biggest percents of embryogenics explants were obtained among the inflorescences between 7.0 and 13.5 cm of spate long, which were between 41.6 and 48.6%. The most effective doses of 2,4-D were the highest (90 and 110 mg.l-1 of 2,4-D) with 36 and 38% of embryogenic explants respectively. Keywords: age of explants,Browning, 2,4D