Mahanom Jalil

Plant regeneration from embryogenic suspension cultures of Musa acuminata cv. Mas (AA)

Embryogenic callus was established using immature male flower of Musa acuminata cv. Mas. After 5–6 months of culture, embryogenic callus was obtained at 21.75±11.9 from 750 immature male flower clusters with translucent somatic embryos proliferated from the whitish friable callus. It was observed that flower clusters ranging from 4 to 11 responded to form embryogenic callus and out of which 3–10 somatic embryos were formed per flower cluster. Embryogenic callus were obtained at a percentage of 10.00±0.3 on M1 medium initially supplemented with 18 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for 3 months and subsequently transferred to the same media with reduced 2,4-D (9 μM) for the next 2–3 months. Embryos developed into translucent spheres and slightly torpedo shaped embryos in suspension cultures. Plantlets were obtained on medium M4 supplemented with 0.8μM BA, at an average regeneration rate of 13.00±0.58.

Enhancement of banana plant regeneration by incorporating a liquid-based embryo development medium for embryogenic cell suspension

Summary Recovering plants from embryogenic cell suspensions is a complex process starting with somatic embryo development which is synchronised on medium lacking plant growth regulators, followed by differentiation and regeneration of plants. An improved method for high frequency recovery of banana plants was investigated by incorporating a liquid-based, embryo-development medium. The highest regeneration rate (approx. 32,000 plants ml–1 settled cell volume) was obtained using this liquid protocol. This is one of the highest scores recorded among published data on plant recovery in Musa spp. A detailed, comparative histological study has been carried out on somatic embryos developed in semi-solid or liquid-based media. Most mature embryos developed from the liquid protocol enabled differentiation and regeneration within 4 months. Over 3,000 plants are currently under field observation to establish the rate of somaclonal variation.

Effects of Selected Physicochemical Parameters on Zerumbone Production of Zingiber zerumbet Smith Cell Suspension Culture

Zingiber zerumbet Smith is an important herb that contains bioactive phytomedicinal compound, zerumbone. To enhance cell growth and production of this useful compound, we investigated the growth conditions of cell suspension culture. Embryogenic callus generated from shoot bud was used to initiate cell suspension culture. The highest specific growth rate of cells was recorded when it was cultured in liquid Murashige and Skoog basal medium containing 3% sucrose with pH 5.7 and incubated under continuous shaking condition of 70 rpm for 16 h light and 8 h dark cycle at 24°C. Our results also revealed that the type of carbohydrate substrate, light regime, agitation speed, and incubation temperature could affect the production of zerumbone. Although the zerumbone produced in this study was not abundant compared to rhizome of Z. zerumbet, the possibility of producing zerumbone during early stage could serve as a model for subsequent improvement.

Toxic Trace Elements in Selected Edible Rhizomes of Medicinal Plants Using INAA and ICP-MS Techniques

The interaction between chemical extracted compounds from plants and the human body go through the same identical process to those well understood for the chemical compounds in conventional drugs. Similarly, the herbal medicine may cause the same potential to cause a side effect [1]. Zingiber zerumbet (lempoyang), Boesenbergia rotunda (temu kunci), Zingiber officinale var. rubrum (halia bara) and Zingiber officinale roscoe are belonging to Zingiberaceae or Ginger family consisting of aromatic perennial herbs with creeping horizontal or tuberous rhizomes planted locally. The same species can be found throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and the America. These rhizomes are a common edible ingredient in many countries, in South East Asia and serve as culinary herbs due to their aromatic flavor to promote appetite.