Abstract:
This research was aimed at the enhancement of shoot regeneration via the supplementation of natural
compounds on Date Palm cv. Barhi. Small clusters consisting of (2-3 shoots) were used as explants and cultured
on MS medium supplemented with three types of natural additives at three different concentrations: (10%, 20%,
30% for Coconut Milk and1.25g/l, 2.5g/l, 5.0g/l for Casein Hydrolysate and Yeast Extract), in addition to the
control (0.05 BA mg/l, 0.1 NAA mg/l). Results showed the most efficient secondary somatic embryo formation
in association with casein hydrolysate 5.00g/l and that for the growth vigor, coconut milk was the most effective
component. The Yeast Extract produced the lowest readings in all assessed concentrations. Chemical analysis
was also performed that tested Chlorophyll ‘A’ and ‘B’, total Carbohydrate, Protein, Amino Acid, Phenol and
Indole. Coconut Milk 30% and Casein Hydrolysate 2.5g/l gave the best overall results, both in test
responsiveness and regenerative abilities.
