Factors affecting plant regeneration from leaf segments of Anthurium scherzerianum Schott (Araceae) cultured in vitro

Regeneration from Anthurium scherzerianum leaf segments was found to be highly dependent on genotype and leaf age. Of the various medium factors tested, the NH₄NO₃ level had the most significant effect on callus and shoot formation from leaf tissue. A low level of NH₄NO₃ (200 mg/l) proved beneficial to the induction of regeneration in all genotypes investigated. As compared to induction, multiplication of callus and shoots in subcultures was less susceptible to the action of various medium factors. After isolation from callus, shoots readily formed roots in the absence of growth regulators. High NH₄NO₃ level (720 mg/l) strongly accelerated root formation. Rooting ability progressively decreased as a consequence of repeated shoot multiplication in the presence of benzyladenine (BA) as sole growth regulator. The advantages and limitations of different micropropagation schemes are discussed.