Induction of homozygous Spathiphyllum wallisii genotypes through gynogenesis

Abstract

In Spathiphyllum wallisii the production of doubled haploids was attempted. Different combinations of growth regulators were tested, as well as different cultivars. The use of TDZ (0.25–1 μM) in ovary cultures of Spathiphyllum was required. On the contrary, cytokinins were not crucial during ovule culture; in fact, the use of a too high TDZ concentration induced diploid parthenogenesis in ovules of `Alfa'. The use of the imidazole fungicides IMA, PRO or TRI during ovary culture was not critical, though they enhanced the swelling of ovules during ovary culture, making the isolation of the ovules easier. The ovule cultures yielded different plantlets. Flow cytometry and AFLP-patterns showed that two doubled haploid genotypes could be obtained from `Stefanie'. These plants showed a normal phenotype. We concluded that the induction of homozygous Spathiphyllum through gynogenesis is possible and is genotype dependent.