VIABILITY OF <em>ELATERIOSPERMUM</em> <em>TAPOS</em> (PERAH) EMBRYO AFTER STORAGE IN LIQUID NITROGEN

Abstract

NASHATUL ZAIMAH, N. A., BENSON, E. E. & MARZALINA, M. 2007. Viability of Elateriospermum tapos
(perah) embryo after storage in liquid nitrogen. Moisture content is the most critical factor in ensuring
success of a cryopreservation protocol. Moisture content relates to the composition of the seed and embryo.
A precise level of desiccation must be achieved so that it is low enough to facilitate cryopreservation without
killing the seed or embryo. Germplasm for Elateriospermum tapos has never been assessed for desiccation
tolerance, or tested for cryogenic storage. In this study, a TZ (2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride) test
was used for rapid estimation of viability of embryos. The objective was to ascertain the levels of desiccation
that this species can tolerate and the levels of moisture content at which cryopreservation can be done. Data
obtained suggested that embryos could tolerate desiccation to about 17% on fresh weight basis. Embryos at
56% moisture level were not able to withstand immersion in liquid nitrogen. Desiccation plus application
of a vitrification solution containing 30% glycerol, 15% ethylene glycol and 15% dimethyl sulfoxide for 10
min at 0 oC showed high survival for embryos stored in liquid nitrogen.