title: A Simple and Efficient Protocol for the Cryopreservation of Zygotic Embryos of Macaw Palm [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. Ex Mart.], A Tropical Species with A Capacity for Biofuel Production.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The development of cryopreservation protocols for zygotic embryos has the advantage of direct embryo regeneration into plantlets, an important factor when one´s purpose is to preserve genetic plant resources.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Current study developed an efficient and simplified cryopreservation protocol for zygotic embryos of the macaw palm, a type of palm tree with great capacity for biodiesel production.
  
  
  METHODS
  Embryos were obtained from seeds and rehydrated for 15 h in a 3% sucrose medium. Zygotic embryos were subsequently desiccated in a laminar flow cabinet for 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. After each period, some embryos were cultured on a germination medium and others were placed in sterile cryotubes and immersed directly in liquid nitrogen for up to 360 d. Cryotubes were rewarmed by immersion at 40 degree C during 90 s (quick thawing).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Germinability reduction occurred in proportion to desiccation time, with averages of 97 and 75% for 0 h and 8 h, respectively. In the case of cryopreserved zygotic embryos, the highest germination (81%) was obtained after 6-h desiccation, when the embryos had approximately 10% water content (FW basis).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The zygotic embryos cryopreservation protocol covered in this study represents another option for preserving Acrocomia aculeata genetic resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Universitario Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
authors.forename: Z G
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Luis
authors.affiliation: Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia, DF, Brazil. jonny.pereira@embrapa.br.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scherwinski-Pereira
mesh_terms: D028023:Arecaceae; D056804:Biofuels; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D003890:Desiccation / Q000379:methods; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects; D012639:Seeds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D013395:Sucrose / Q000494:pharmacology; D015053:Zygote
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D013395:Sucrose