In Vitro Response of Cotyledon Explants of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Cultured in Different Concentrations of BAP

This experiment was carried out to study the embryogenic response of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cotyledon explants cultured in different concentrations of BAP under in vitro conditions. Sterilized cotyledon segments (10 mm long, 5 mm width) were cultured on full strength MS basal medium containing various concentrations (0-10 mg/L) of BAP. The result revealed the medium without BAP exhibited profuse root organogenesis which decreased with the increase in the concentration of BAP. Greenish or yellowish white nodular structures appeared on the edge of the surface concentrated towards the convex side of the explants. Consequently, these structures gave rise to somatic embryoids and the degree of embryoid formation increased with the increasing concentration of BAP. MS medium with 8 mg/L BAP was the most optimal concentration for the induction of somatic embryos among the tested. Cytological study confirmed the development of somatic embryoids directly from cultured cotyledon explants. Journal of Food and Agriculture 2010 Vol. 03, No. 1 & 2, Page 7-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jfa.v3i1-2.516