Somatic embryogenesis in fertilized ovules of Heliconia champneiana Griggs in different culture media and light conditions

Abstract

In order to produce new varieties of Heliconia, that stand out for their inflorescence appeal, use genetic improvement techniques such as the recovery of embryos in early stages or fertilized embryos used from intra- and inter-species crossing are required. The main goal of this research was to induce embryogenesis in Heliconia champneiana fertilized ovules after six days of pollination. Therefore, the process of planting ovules into semi-solid culture media enriched with amino acids and casein was conducted, and the variables assessed in terms of percentage were contamination, oxidation, reactivity, ovule size, callus induction, embryos proliferation, and seedling height and number. In conditions of luminescence and culture media enriched with amino acids and hydrolyzed casein, embryos proliferation was noticeable after 56 days. This type of morphogenic response was determined by the composition of the culture media. By day 245, the seed-to-seedling transition occurred in culture media containing activated carbon allowing full-grown seedlings that were later moved to room temperature.