In vitro germination and establishment of Platonia insignis Mart. from immature fruit and seed rescue

Platonia insignis Mart. is a species native to the Brazilian Amazon that has fruits of high commercial value and potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the techniques for its propagation are limited. In the present study, we aimed to establish P. insignis in vitro by germinating immature seeds from the fruit. Immature fruits were collected, disinfected, and their seeds were placed in the following culture media (50 mL): agar + distilled water; MS0 (no growth regulators); MS + 1 μM BAP; MS + 2 μM BAP; MS + 3 μM BAP; MS + 1 μM GA3; MS + 2 μM GA3; and MS + 3 μM GA3 in a growth chamber at 24 ± 2 ºC in the dark, until shoot emergence. Callus formation, oxidation, germination, number of seedlings, shoot emergence, radicle, and shoot length were measured every 15 days after inoculation (DAI). At 60 DAI, seedlings grown without growth regulators had higher or equal values for all variables than those cultivated with growth regulators. The in vitro germination and establishment of P. insignis were efficient and feasible and could contribute to its domestication by reducing the germination time to approximately 60 days, producing homogeneous plants in a short period, and making it possible to explore other biotechnological techniques for this species.