Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in embryo cultures of Euterpe edulis mart. (palmae).

The induction of somatic embryogenesis in embryo cultures of Euterpe edulis is described. The basal medium was composed of LS salts and Morel & Wetmore vitamins. Activated charcoal was added to prevent explant oxidation. 2,4-D higher than 50 mg/l was necessary for inducing embryogenesis which occurs 45-180 days after the start of cultures. Embryos arise directly from surface proliferating tissues on the matrix structure , without callus formation. The transfer of tissues with embryo clusters to medium with NAA plus 2iP, or without growth regulators, induces embryo development into plantlets.