Influence of 2.4D and thin cell layer types on callus induction of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng

Abstract

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng., (2n=28), belongs to the Cucurbitaceae. It originates from India and Southeast Asia. Gac has been used for food and pharmaceutical purposes in Vietnam as well as other countries in Southeast Asia. Gac oil contains high amounts of β-carotene, vitamin A, lycopene, and unsaturated fatty acid. The purpose of this study was to observe the influence of  2.4D and thin cell layer types on callus formation in the Gac in vitro culture. The results showed that all of the samples had formed calluses after 21 days of culture. However, the results indicated that the best callus formation, development, and structure obtained when the transverse thin cell layer (tTCL) of Gac was treated with 1.5 mg/l of 2.4D. This result could be useful for the propagation of Gac and improverment of Gac varieties in future.