New basal media for half-anther culture of Anthurium andreanum Linden ex Andre cv. Tropical

A successful protocol for high frequency callus induction and plant regeneration from Anthurium andreanum Linden ex Andre cv. Tropical half-anthers is described. Different variables using Winarto and Teixeira and Murashige and Skoog basal media supplemented with several plant growth regulators [2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (0.1-1.0 mg/l), alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (0.01-0.2 mg/l), thidiazuron (0.5-2.0 mg/l), 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5-1.0 mg/l), and kinetin (0.5-1.0 mg/l)] were tested for their ability to induce high frequency callusing in half-anthers, indirect regeneration and rooting of shoots. Basal medium, as well as the combination and concentration of hormones applied, had a significant effect on callus formation, shoot regeneration and adventitious root formation. Winarto and Teixeira-1, an original basal medium containing 0.01 mg/l alpha-naphthalene acetic acid, 0.5 mg/l thidiazuron and 1.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine was suitable for callus formation while an improved basal medium i.e., New Winarto-Teixeira-3 supplemented with 0.25 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 0.02 mg/l alpha-naphthalene acetic acid, 1.5 mg/l thidiazuron and 0.75 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine enhanced callus formation. High shoot regeneration and multiplication was also possible on New Winarto-Teixeira-3. Shoots formed a strong adventitious root system on New Winarto-Teixeira-3 containing 0.2 mg/l alpha-naphthalene acetic acid and 1.0 mg/l kinetin. Plantlets that varied in size and performance were successfully acclimatized and adapted to ex vitro conditions. Cytological analysis of 180 acclimatized-plantlets ex vitro revealed that 34 were haploid (n = 14-18), 15 aneuploid (n = 20-26), 126 diploid (n = 28-34) and 5 triploid (n = 45-57). The potential use of this protocol for developing half-anther culture of other Anthurium species or cultivars is discussed.