Pitcher formation of Nepenthes ampullaria and Nepenthes rafflesiana on modified in vitro media

Abstract

Nepenthes, known as pitcher plants, is one of the unique ornamental plants that are highly sought after for their unique shape and color of the pitchers, a modification of the leaves. The pitcher was reportedly formed under nutrient-poor conditions at its growth site. This study aims to investigate the effects of modification of the culture media on the formation of in vitro pitchers of Nepenthes ampullaria and N. rafflesiana. The experimental design in this study used a completely randomized design with two factors (the species of Nepenthes and the media). Nepenthes ampullaria and N. rafflesiana plantlets with a stem height of about 1-2 cm were planted in medium containing half strength of Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS), in medium containing sugar, agar, and distilled water (SAW), in medium containing agar and distilled water (AW) and medium containing sterile distilled water (W). All media were adjusted to a pH of about 5.7. The filter paper was used as a buffer in a liquid medium to support the plantlets. Each treatment was replicate three times, with each replicate containing ten bottles of culture, each containing one plantlet. Research results were observed for 12 weeks after planting and showed that all cultures could grow well in each medium. The highest average number of pitchers was recorded for the N. ampullaria culture planted in AW medium, with 22 pitchers/plant, followed by the culture in W medium, with 20 pitchers/plant. For N. rafflesiana, on the other hand, the highest number of pitchers was found in W medium with 18 pitchers/plant.