Improvement of propogation efficiency of anthurium species in Vitro

Abstract

Attempts were made, to improve the propagation efficiency of Anthurium species through enhanced release of axillary buds and callus-mediated somatic organogenesis/embryogenesis, in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1990-92. Four species of Anthurium namely, A. andreanum, A. crystallinum, A. veitchii and A. grande were selected for the study. Shoot tips from in vitro grown seedling were used as explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds. Cent percent survival was observed in all the cytokinin treatments. The maximum number of shoots (4.50) was observed with kinetin 2.0 mg/1 as well as BA 1.0 mg/1. Treatments with kinetin was free of callus growth. In treatments with BA and 2ip, callus growth was observed at the base of the explant. Treatments with Ms inorganic salts as well as sucrose did not influence multiple shoot formation. One fourth strength of MS major rutrients with full strength of micro nutrients was ideal for multiple shoot induction. Glucose produced less number of shoots than sucrose. One percent sucrose did not influence multiple shoot induction. The longest shoot (0.95cm) was observed at 0.4 percent agar. Light was necessary for the enhancement of axillary buds. In darkness, callus growth was observed, from which many adventitious shoots were produced. Segments of leaf, petiole, spathe, spike and inflorescence stalk were used a explants for callus initiation. Combinations of 2, 4-D and BA were efficient in initiating callus. In A.andreanum, 2, 4-D 0.08 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was ideal for callus initiation. Combination of 2, 4-D, 0.2 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was the best for callus initiation in A. veitchii. In A. grande, the best callus initiation was observed with 2, 4-D 0.5 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1. Modified MS medium with reduced salt concentrations was ideal for callus initiation in all the species. Inositol when reduced to half concentration (of the normal) influenced callus initiation. The leaf explant (with the smallest vascular bundles) among the other explants, had the highest number of cultures free of microbial contamination. Basal portions of leaf responded, better than the apical portions, to in vitro culture. Continuous darkness was necessary for callus initiation and growth. MS medium with ¼ strength major nutrients was ideal for callus multiplication. Attempts,made on callus-mediated somatic embryogenesis, were not successful. Shoot regeneration and growth of the shoots were the best in MS medium with BA 0.5 mg/1 and IAA 2.0 mg/1. No rooting treatments were required as the shoots rooted spontaneously. Plantlets survived, better than micro shoots, exvitro. The plantlets required less hardening treatments. Sand was the best potting medium for planting out. Nutrient solutions when used for the irrigation the plantlets, had a negative influence on the survival of plantlets. Treatments with VAM (Glomus constrictum and G. etunicatum) was beneficial for the survival as well as growth of the plantlets. Cytological examinations of the root tip squashes made on random number of plantlets, at planting out, showed a normal diploid chromosome count. Attempts, to correlate the biochemical properties with in vitro response, of different explants as well as species, were not successful. Based on the existing facilities of the plant tissue culture laboratory of the department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the cost of single anthurium plantlet was worked out to be Rs.3.00/=.