Synergistic effect of Quercetin and Auxins on Somatic embryogenesis in Local Kutch Elite Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a vital fruit crop of arid regions is known for its agronomic and economic significance . This study investigates the synergistic effects of Quercetin and various auxins (NAA,2,4-D,and IAA) on the somatic embryogenesis in the Kutch elite date palm variety. Observation on callus texture, embryogenesis rates, and the responsiveness across 15 different media composition revealed that the combination of IAA (0.1mg/L) and Quercetin (0.1µM) was most effective ,achieving up to 70% embryogenesis . Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD) confirmed that the IAA treatments had significantly greater effects on the embryogenesis than NAA and 2,4-D.These findings provide a robust framework for optimising the tissue culture protocols for the large -scale propagations of this economically important cultivar. Keywords Synergistic effect; Quercetin; Auxins; Somatic embryogenesis; Phoenix dactylifera.