Somatic embryogenesis as potential method for commercial propagation in Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis - an important horticultural crop

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae Vol. 316; p. 112020
• Main Authors: Phong, Truong Hoai, Hieu, Tran, Tung, Hoang Thanh, Mai, Nguyen Thi Nhu, Khai, Hoang Dac, Cuong, Do Manh, Luan, Vu Quoc, Nam, Nguyen Ba, Nhut, Duong Tan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Direct somatic embryo; Embryogenic callus; Passion fruit; Silver nanoparticles; Passion fruit; Direct somatic embryo; Silver nanoparticles; Embryogenic callus
• ISSN: 0304-4238; 1879-1018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112020

•Somatic embryogenesis was first recorded from leaf and root explants of Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis.•The positive effects of silver nanoparticles were observed on the indirect embryogenesis and the maturation of somatic embryos.•Plant derived from somatic embryos grew and developed well under greenhouse and field conditions. Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis) is one of the species with high commercial value in the genus Passiflora. In this study, the somatic embryogenesis (SEs) obtained from different explants (ex vitro leaf and in vitro root) cultured on medium-supplemented auxins and cytokinins, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) enhanced SEs and plantlets derived from SEs were evaluated for the first time. The ex vitro leaf blade (1 × 1 cm) and in vitro root fragment (0.1 × 1 cm) were used as the initial explants. The results showed that the addition of auxins and cytokinins in culture medium stimulated SEs in both explant types. Root explant only induced callus on medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1.0 - 4.0 mg L−1), however, somatic embryos were directly induced with 1.0 mg L−1 NAA. While 1.0 - 2.0 mg L−1 2,4-D stimulated embryogenic callus induction (14.81 - 25.93%), NAA stimulated direct embryogenesis from leaf explants. The medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L−1 NAA combined with 1.5 mg L−1 TDZ significantly improved the SEs rate (81.48%) and number of embryos per explant (26.67 embryos) formed directly from leaf explants. On the other hand, the synergism between 2.0 mg L−1 2,4-D and 2.0 mg L−1 AgNPs significantly enhanced callus-derived embryogenesis from leaf explant with the highest SEs rate (92.59%) and number of embryos per explant (31.67 embryos). In addition, AgNPs also had a positive effect on promoting the maturation of callus-derived embryos. The plantlets derived from SEs were acclimatized in the greenhouse with a survival rate of over 90.00%. The SEs-derived plants flowered and produced fruit normally under field conditions. The results revealed a reliable plant regeneration procedure through direct or indirect SEs derived from ex vitro leaf and in vitro root explants and AgNPs-stimulated SEs that can be applied for commercial propagation of this crop.