Regeneration of leaf explants of Anthurium andraeanum Lind. in vitro.

Abstract

Leaf explants were cultured on a basic nutrient agar medium to which were added growth substances (adenine, benzyladenine, kinetin, 2-iP [isopentenyladenine], zeatin or 2,4-D) and NH4NO3, (NH4)2SO4 or NaNO3 in various concentrations. The effects of using the surfactant Tween 20 during leaf sterilization and of growing explants in light and/or darkness for 20 weeks were also investigated. There was a strong positive correlation between callus formation and shoot regeneration. Regeneration was optimal under the following conditions: addition of 0.25-1.00 ml/litre Tween 20 during leaf sterilization, adding a growth substance (adenine 0.1 mg/litre, zeatin 1 mg/litre, or 2,4-D 0.08 mg/litre), culture during 16 weeks in darkness followed by 4 weeks of light, and including 206 mg/litre NH4NO3 in the medium. The promoting effect of low levels of NH4NO3 on shoot regeneration in callus was caused by the NH4+ ion and not by the NO3- ion. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)