Plant Regeneration by Callus-Mediated Protocorm-Like Body Induction of Anthurium andraeanum Hort.

This research aims at developing a plant regeneration system from leaf and petiole explants of Anthurium andraeanum Hort., thereby establish a foundation for mass production and transformation. Using tissue culture technique, the conditions for callus induction, protocorm-like body (PLB) formation and plant regeneration from leaf explants and petiole of A. andraeanum, such as basal medium and plant growth regulator, were investigated. Totipotent callus was induced on a 1/2-strength MS medium containing 0.90 mu mol L(-1)2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 8.88 mu mol L(-1)N6-benzyladenine (BA). The callus exhibited complete hormone autonomy for growth and differentiation of PLBs. This callus proliferated well and was maintained by subculturing on 1/2 MS medium containing 0.90 mu mol L-1 2,4-D and 4.44 mu mol L-1 BA. On average, 8 protocorm-like bodies could be obtained from a piece of 4 mm callus after being transferred to the 1/2 MS medium with 4.44 mu mol L-1 BA after 8 wk of culture. The regenerated PLBs formed shoots and roots on 1/2 MS medium. After 24 wk of culture on these medium, well-developed plantlets for potting were produced. An efficient micropropagation method was established for indirect PLB formation and plant regeneration from leaf and petiole of A. andraeanum.