Optimization of germination, callus induction, and cell suspension culture of African locust beans Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.

ABSTRACT

The present study was carried out to determine the best pre-sowing treatments that can enhance the germination and seedling growth of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Also, to establish and long-term maintenance of calli and cell suspension cultures . The result of various pre-sowing treatments showed that seeds soaked in concentrated H2SO4 treatment appeared the highest germination percentage, higher value of plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and stem girth. The MS medium containing 1mg/l 2, 4-D was the best for callus induction of stem explants. The addition of 50 mg /l citric acid to the MS medium was effective for reducing browning of callus than other treatments. However, the viability percent recorded the maximum (87.76%) on the 9th day while the concentration of viable cells per ml reached the higher record (137.5 viable cell/ml) at the 12th and cell viability remains (≈ 68.39%) throughout 18 days of culture.