In vitro propagation of Kalanchoe rhombopilosa (Crassulaceae)

Abstract

In vitro propagation of Kalanchoe rhombopilosa Mannoni & Boiteau was studied. To examine the effect of explants type and orientation on shoot and root induction, stem explants placed vertically and horizontally, shoot tips, leaf blade attached with ventral and dorsal side were cultured on semi-solid MS medium for 9 weeks. The highest shoot and root number could be obtained when stem placed horizontally were used as explants. In addition, the optimum concentration of TDZ and NAA on shoot induction was investigated for 8 weeks. The result found that the highest percentage of shoot induction as well as shoot and root number and their length was obtained when the horizontally placed stem segments were cultured on MS medium that supplemented with 0.1 mg/l NAA; whereas the callus formation was observed in all concentration of TDZ added medium. Furthermore, optimal types and concentration of organic supplements on shoot regeneration efficiency was also investigated. The result revealed that the highest percentage of shoot induction and shoot number could be obtained when the horizontally placed stem segments were cultured on MS medium augmented with 5% v/v coconut water for 8 weeks. Influence of the types of planting materials and their ratio on the survival percentage of the plantlets after planting for 4 weeks was studied. The result indicated that the use of sand: coconut husk: volcanic rock (1:1:1) as the planting materials provided the highest survival percentage.