In vitro culture of embryos isolated from seeds of immature fruits of irupé (Victoria cruziana, Nymphaeaceae)

Abstract

The irupé or water corn (Victoria cruziana A. D. Orb.) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family and arouses interest mainly due to the beauty of its leaves and flowers. Obtaining seeds of this aquatic species in its natural environment is challenging, and it is also considered a recalcitrant species for in vitro culture. For this reason, the aim of this work was to establish a methodology for the conversion into plants of irupé embryos extracted from seeds of immature fruits and to obtain material to be used in micropropagation or in environmental restoration programs. Embryo culture of fruits in six growth stages was carried out up to a maximum of four weeks. Using Murashige & Skoog’s basal medium, twelve culture media with and without the addition of growth regulators (gibberellic acid, AG3 and thidiazuron, TDZ) were tested. Embryos converted into plants in all media diluted to 50% (½ MS) with 3% sucrose, while plants with developed roots were obtained in the medium with the addition of 10 mg/L of GA3 . Although the culture of embryos derived from seeds in early fruit stages did not allow plant regeneration, this was possible when explants derived from fruits in late developmental stages.