TITLE:
Influence of Desiccation Time on Survival and Regeneration of Embryonic Axes of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Immersed in Liquid Nitrogen
AUTHORS:
M. M. Abdulmalik, I. S. Usman, J. D. Olarewaju, D. A. Aba
KEYWORDS:
Cryopreservation; Groundnut; Embryonic Axes; Desiccation
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.4 No.9,
August
29,
2013
ABSTRACT: Cryopreservation, the storage of biological
materials in liquid nitrogen (LN), is a useful method for long term conservation of plant
germplasm. This study was carried out with the objective of establishing an
efficient desiccation technique for successful cryopreservation and recovery of
embryonic axes of groundnut. Embryonic axes of four groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes were
evaluated. The excised embryonic axes were dehydrated by air current of a
laminar air flow cabinet for different duration (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 hrs) before
being plunged in LN (-196℃) and held for 1 hr. Samples were thawed in
water bath at 40℃for 2 min,
thereafter cultured on MS medium supplemented with 15 mg/L BAP for recovery.
Highest survival (96.67%-100%) and shoot formation (91.67%-96.67%) were
obtained at an average moisture content of 17% after 4-5 hr
desiccation. Among the genotypes evaluated, Samnut 22 and Samnut 23
recorded the highest survival and shoot formation. This technique therefore
appears promising for cryopreservation of groundnut germplasm.