True-to-the type in vitro propagation of Aechmea fasciata Baker

Abstract

In vitro propagation of Aechmea fasciata Baker was studied with the of decreasing the frequency of aberrant plant formation. Shoots differentiated from leaf explant callus were cultured on MS based agar solidified media. The frequency of aberrant plant formation was lower on kinetin (KIN)/indolyl-3-acetic acid (IAA) than on 6-benzyladenine/naphthyl acetic acid (NAA) supplemented media. A stable dark-green shoot culture clone was established by persistent use of media supplemented with 1.0 mg 1 −1 KIN and 1.0 mg 1 −1 IAA and by elimination of shoot clusters which contained shoots with pale green, light yellow and variegated leaves. The frequency of aberrant shoot formation in this clone was less than 1% prior to rooting and after potting and acclimatization aberrant plants could not be detected. On media supplemented with 0–2.0 mg 1 −1 NAA or indolyl-3-butyric acid adventitious roots were short. Their length significantly increased upon addition of 1% activated charcoal or if sucrose was replaced by equimolar glucose and fructose. The dark-green clone has been so far maintained for more than 40 subcultures throughout a period exceeding 5 years without significant changes in vigor or frequency of aberrant plant formation. Since summer 1992 it is in use for large scale commercial propagation.