Abstract

Hevea brasiliensis that is grown in Thailand and Southeast Asia is a very valuable source of natural rubber. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of seasonal effect on plantlet regenera-tion through somatic embryogenesis from anther culture. Thus, this study discussed the effect of season on callus induction subsequent to plantlet regeneration from culturing of anther. Male flowers were aseptically opened and anthers were excised to culture on callus induction medium (CIM) which was MS supplemented with 5% sucrose, 1 mg.L^-1 2,4-D, 1 mg.L^-1 KN, 1 mg.L^-1 NAA. Somatic embryo (SE) developed on MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.2 mg.L^-1 NAA, 1 mg.L^-1 BA, 3 mg.L^-1 KN and 0.05 mg.L^-1 GA₃. This medium is so called embryo induction medium (EIM).Anther collectedfrom different season gave different result in callus induction, proliferation and somatic embryogenesis, healthy anther collected in February 15, 2013 gave the best result in callus induction (86.25%), proliferation (422 mgFW) and somatic embryogenesis (20%). Complete plantlets (15.63%)were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 5% sucrose, 0.5 mg.L^-1 KN, 0.2 mg.L^-1 IAA, 1 mg.L^-1 BA, 0.3 mg.L^-1 GA₃ and 0.2% phytagel. Seasonal collection plays influence rolein successful somatic embryogenesis in tissue culture of rubber tree.

Key words: Hevea brasiliensis, rubber, antherculture, callus induction, seasonal collection, somatic embryogenesis.