ABSTRACT
The objectives of this work were to develop an in vitro establishment protocol and to quantify growth of louro-pardo (Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arráb. Ex Steud.) seedlings to produce asseptic explants. Seed imbibition and disinfection were studied for in vitro seedling establishment. Seeds were imbibed in distilled and autoclaved water for 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h. Seeds without tegument were submerged in a 70% alcohol solution for 30 s and in a hypochloride solution of 2% or 5% for 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 min. Percentages of disinfection and germination and mean germination time were evaluated. Seedling growth of louro-pardo was quantified in 1/2MS and WPM culture mediums. Number of emerged leaves and roots and length of shoot and primary root were evaluated at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after inoculation. Imbibition of louro-pardo seeds until 24 hours made easy tegument excision without affecting disinfection and germination. Seed-tegument excision and immersion in a 70% alcohol solution for 30 s were enough for an acceptable production of in vitro asseptic seedlings. Louro-pardo seedlings grow satisfactorily in a WPM culture medium without growth regulators.
Keywords:
Cordia trichotoma, tissue culture; micropropagation