Plant regeneration from embryogenic suspension cultures of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

Suspension cultures of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) were established in a medium with 80 or 100 mg.l(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1 g.l(-1) activated charcoal, from calli producing embryogenic cells and protruding proembryos. The suspension was composed of meristematic clumps, breaking away and giving rise to new smaller aggregates. Under the best conditions, the initial weight increased about 4 fold in one month. Embryo differentiation was achieved when plating the clumps either directly, or after a phase in hormone-free liquid medium. In the second case, early maturation occurred in liquid medium. Secondary embryogenesis was reduced, and up to 18.1 % embryos formed shoots. Rooted plants were sucessfully transferred to soil.