PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HELICONIAS DERIVED FROM IN VITRO CULTURE OF ZYGOTIC EMBRYOS AND CONVENTIONAL PROPAGATION

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to compare the physiological development of Heliconia bihai (L.) L. Lobster Claw Two plants derived from in vitro culture of zygotic embryos and conventional propagation. Heliconias obtained from rhizomes and from in vitro multiplication were evaluated every 30 days for ten months under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD), with ten repetitions, and the 2x10 factorial arrangement consisted of two plant multiplication methods and ten evaluations performed at different times. The analyzed biometric parameters were plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf area, and color intensity in the bracts. The plants derived from in vitro culture showed significant differences in the development of the evaluated physiological parameters in comparison to the plants derived from rhizomes, and they also showed early flowering. Although the in vitro culture plants derived from zygotic embryos, no morphological changes were found in the vegetative and reproductive parts (inflorescence) of the plants or in the colorimetry. It shows that the in vitro culture of zygotic embryos may be used as a technique to produce seedlings on a large-scale, thus allowing the floriculture sector to grow in the region and all over the country.