Maturation of Anthurium andraeanum cv. Eidibel somatic embryos from nodal segments

Abstract

Maturation of somatic embryos of Anthurium andraeanum cv. Eidibel from embryogenic callus was evaluated. Following induction of embryogenic calli from nodal segments, tissues were transferred to 125-mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 25 mL liquid medium, with 0, 4.52, or 9.05 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0, 0.47, or 2.32 μM kinetin. Callus cultures were maintained in a dark growth room at 25 ± 2°C. At 45 d, the mass of embryogenic calli, number of primary and secondary somatic embryos, and percentage browning were evaluated. Nonparametric tests were used to evaluate color, texture, and somatic embryo development. The highest yield of somatic embryos was in the medium with 0.47 μM kinetin. Calli were friable, with a lower yield of secondary somatic embryos, and have minimal browning. Histology revealed polar globular somatic embryos and mature somatic embryos with defined apical and root meristematic zones, axillary buds, and primary leaves. These are important features for converting somatic embryos into plantlets.