The objective of this study was to examine the effect of two culture systems, liquid medium associated to floating membranes and solid medium, both supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D, in the induction of somatic embryogenesis of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Only 28% of the young leaf lobes (with 9 µM 2,4-D) were induced to form organized embryogenic structures (OES) with membrane rafts, compared to 50% of the explants presenting this type of tissue in solid medium with 36 µM of 2,4-D. Despite the lower response observed in liquid medium with membrane, the amount of OES/explant in all 2,4-D concentrations was higher than solid medium. Based on the results and considering the high cost of the membrane rafts, this system was not distinctly superior than solid medium for inducing somatic embryogenesis in cassava.
Manihot esculenta; Somatic embryogenesis; Membrane rafts; Organized embryogenic structures (OES)
