Luffa sponge - a unique matrix for tissue culture of Philodendron

Abstract

An efficient and simple micropropagation protocol of Philodendron 'Xanadu', highly esteemed for its beautiful foliage, has been established. Rapid multiplication was attained by high concentration of N-6-benzyladenine, but a sequential lowering of the same was required for obtaining healthy plantlets. A study on in vitro root development in conventional agar-gelled media in comparison to liquid media with two alternative matrices like Luffa sponge and coir indicated the suitability of Luffa sponge over the others. The characteristic pattern of leaf morphology though was absent in the micropropagated plants initially, but the notches and crevices of the lamina appeared gradually with age after transplantation to soil. RAPD profiles of the randomly selected clones of different age in comparison to the mother plant were identical, thus assuring a totally genetic fidelity-maintained protocol for this commercially important plant.