This study aimed to induce callus formation in Jatropha curcas L. and to evaluate the ultrastructure and cytochemical behavior of the calli. Calluses were induced with 2,4-D, picloram-PIC, kinetin (Kin) and BAP: (1) control; (2) 4.52 µM 2,4-D; (3) 9.04 µM 2,4-D; (4) 4.14 µM PIC; (5) 8.28 µM PIC; (6) 4.52 µM 2,4-D + 2.32 µM KIN; (7) 9.04 µM 2,4-D + 4.64 µM KIN; (8) 4.14 µM PIC + 2.32 µM KIN; (9) 8.28 µM PIC + 4.64 µM KIN; (10) 4.52 µM 2,4-D + 2.22 µM BAP; (11) 9.04 µM 2,4-D + 4.44 µM BAP; (12) 4.14 µM PIC + 2.22 µM BAP and (13) 8.28 µM PIC + 4.44 µM BAP. It was evaluated the percent coverage of the explants by callus (% CEC) and performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and acetocarmine/Evans blue double staining to analyze the embryogenic potential of the calli. As shown by scanning electron microscopy and acetocarmine/Evans blue staining, we found that J. curcas callus formation was optimal with 4.52 µM of 2,4-D.
Jatropha curcas L.; embryogenesis; microscopy; cytochemistry