Theobroma cacao L.: an axillary bud in vitro propagation procedure

Abstract

An axillary bud derived in vitro propagation procedure for Theobroma cacao is described. The method allows bud expansion and elongation, including leaf development, as early as 13 days after placing explants on establishment medium. Shoots have been maintained in culture vessels for six months with little evidence of decline. Propagules have been induced to form roots, hardened off, and moved to the greenhouse within six weeks of initial explant establishment. Some plants have been in the greenhouse for twelve months and are growing in an apparently normal manner. No major differences in response from UF-667 or EQX-100 derived seed-grown trees were found suggesting that the method may not be limited by genotype. Long-term growth without added plant growth regulators has been seen in over 2400 explants.