Induction, morphologic and ultra-structural analyses of native passion fruit calluses

Analysis of calluses with embryogenic characteristics is important for subsequent in vitro regeneration of species with desirable agronomic traits such as the Passiflora gibertii native passion fruit. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the induction of calluses from leaf explants of Passiflora gibertii N. E. Brown, as well as their morphologic and ultra-structural characterization. Cotyledonary leaves were inoculated in culture medium containing 2,4-D and picloram in association with kinetin. After 30 days of cultivation in the dark, the obtained calluses were prepared for the visualization in electron microscope (transmission and scanning) and light microscope. The results allowed to infer that the addition of picloram and kinetin to the culture medium promotes higher callus formation in cotyledonary leaf explants of P. gibertii than 2,4-D and kinetin. The growth regulator 2,4-D provides the formation of calluses with small isodiametric cells and small intercellular spaces, an organized cellular system and the predominance of round shaped mitochondria. Predominance of large and elongated cells with intercellular spaces, a non-organized cellular system and predominance of elongated mitochondria was observed when picloram was used.