Induction of somatic embryogenesis in two cultivars of anthurium analysed by scanning electron microscopy

Somatic embryogenesis is an advantageous tool in the commercial production of micropropagated anthurium plantlets. As such, the aim of this study was to establish a protocol for the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Jureia and Luau cultivars. Defoliated nodal segments, 1.0 cm in length and containing one bud, were used as explants. The experimental design was completely randomised, in a 2 x 3 x 5 factorial scheme (cultivar: Jureia and Luau x auxin: 2,4-D, NAA and Picloram x concentration: 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 μM), with 30 treatments in a scheme of plots split over time (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days). The anatomy and percentage of embryogenic callus formation were analysed. The structures formed, analysed by scanning electron microscopy, corresponded to embryogenic calli. The Luau cultivar was superior in forming embryogenic calli. For the two cultivars, among the auxins under study, NAA demonstrated a greater induction potential for somatic embryogenesis, with the concentration of 7.5 μM giving the highest mean values. The 90-day evaluation period showed the maximum formation of embryogenic calli; however, mean values were fairly similar to the 75-day evaluation period. To induce embryogenic calli, therefore, it is suggested that the nodal segments be inoculated into a culture medium with added NAA growth regulator at a concentration of 7.5 μM, and that the explants remain in this medium for 75 days after inoculation.