Effect of Coconut Milk, Casein Hydrolysate and Yeast Extract on the Proliferation of in vitro Barhi Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

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.