In vitro propagation of Zamoculcas zamipholia LODD., through indirect regeneration

Abstract

The Zamoculcas zamifolia LODD., commonly known as ZZ Plant, is considered as an ornamental foliage plant that its growing is recently getting into consideration in Iran. This plant is a virtuous choice for indoor use, due to its wonderful performance even without taking special care. The plant is naturally slow grown species and its propagation through conventional methods is also sluggish. So, due to these reasons, ZZ plant has got an expensive price in the market. Application of modern techniques such as micropropagation may provide its mass multiplication in shorter period as compared to conventional methods. In the present research work, the feasibility of in vitro propagation of this plant was evaluated. This experiment was undertaken as completely randomized design. The leaf segments procured from a healthy mother plant were surface sterilized with Colorax (Sodium Hypochlorite) and HgCl2 and inoculated under in vitro conditions. The results showed that leaf explants of Zamoculcas may be efficiently established on MS medium comprising BA (2.0 mg/l) and NAA (0.2 mg/l) and produce callus tissues. The calli mass may produce maximum number of shoots (average 4 per each vessel) whenever sub-cultured on MS medium supplemented with BA (2 mg/l). The number of shoots was decreased if the IBA concentration was beyond 2 mg/l. Application of TDZ to regeneration medium had less number of microshoots as compared to BA treatment, but there was no significant statistical difference between these two treatments (P=0.05). Furthermore, the quality of plantlets induced by TDZ was higher than other treatments. The half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (2 mg/l) and NAA (mg/l) is suggested for in vitro rooting of Zamoculcas microshoots. Application of NAA is also induced rooting, but the effectiveness was less than IBA.