Micropropagation of arrow cane, Gynerium sagittatum (Aubl.) P. Beauv. cv. Criolla, Criolla 1, and Martinera, in a double-phase medium

Abstract

To evaluate the micropropagation response of arrow cane, Gynerium sagittatum (Aubl.), plants using a double-phase medium in the multiplication stage, explants consisting of stem sections with axillary meristems from cultivars Criolla, Criolla 1, and Martinera were established in vitro in a semisolid medium. Then, they were multiplied using a double-phase medium supplied at several Benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/L), followed by rooting in a culture medium supplied at several Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 20 mg/L). Both multiplied unrooted and rooted microshoots were transferred ex vitro. Treatments were distributed with a completely randomized design; data were analyzed with an ANOVA and means separated with Tukey’s test. Explants from Criolla and Martinera cultured with 0.5 mg/L BAP resulted in higher multiplication rates. All microshoots transferred to the rooting medium rooted, although NAA significantly increased the number of roots and reduced root length. Plants from all three cultivars, in vitro rooted or unrooted transferred to ex vitro conditions, showed 100 % survival and adaptation. For Criolla and Martinera, 0.5 mg/L BAP statistically increased shoot multiplication rates and NAA increased adventitious root formation and reduced root length. Plants of all cultivars survived and adapted 100 % to ex vitro conditions.