In Vitro Propagation of Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) “Lakramat” Date Palms in Aswan Governorate

Lakramat cultivar is mainly cultivated in the Siwa Oasis. It is one of the promising Egyptian date palm cultivars, and its good traits make it appropriate for export. This paper describes the micropropagation process utilizing Lakramat cv. shoot tip explants. Explants were grown for 36 weeks on MS medium supplemented with picloram at 2.0 mg/l mixed with 2iP at 0.5 mg/l and 0.5 g/l AC for initiation stage. The obtained embryonic cultures were placed for further development and embryo formation in maturation media containing 0.25 mg/l picloram in combination with 2iP at 1.0 mg/l. The obtained somatic embryos were shifted to multiplication medium containing putrescine at the concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/l to study its effect on multiplication rate. Various levels of light intensity during germination stage were also investigated. Indeed, a new system of acclimatization was discussed. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) ―Lakramat‖ direct globular somatic embryos spontaneously formed on shoot tip sections. The most successful somatic embryo multiplication was produced during treatment with 100 mg/l Putrescine. On the other side, the higher intensity (6000 lux) promoted germination and shoot formation. During rooting stage, the addition of 1.5 mg/l IBA and 1mg/l NAA in rooting medium achieved the highest significant root number. New system of acclimatization used in the present protocol surpassed the traditional methods of acclimatization. The maximum levels of ex vitro plant growth vigor, leaf number/plant, leaf width, root number, and root thickness were stimulated by irrigation with the MS full strength solution.