Growth Promotion of in vitro Maize (Zea mays L.) plantlets under Photoautotrophic Condition

Parinya Khajudparn1, Anongnut Bhonwong1, Chaba Jampatong2, and Piyada Thipyapong1

1.                          School of Crop Production Technology,  Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology.

2.                          National Corn and Sorghum Research Center, Kasetsart University.

………………………..

 

Growth of in vitro maize plantlets cultured on MS medium photoautotrophically with vermiculite as a supporting material was compared with those cultured photomixotropically with vermiculite and agar (control) as supporting materials.  The leaf and root lengths, number of roots, leaf and root fresh weight, and leaf and root dry weight were recorded on days 3, 5, 7, and 9 of culture.  Plantlets grown photoautotropically had the highest leaf and root lengths, and leaf and root fresh weight at all stages of growth (days 3, 5, 7, and 9; p<0.05).  On day 9 they had 1.5-, 1.7-, 1.7-, 4.1-, and 1.6- fold higher leaf and root lengths, leaf and root fresh weight and number of roots than control, respectively.  Under photomixotrophic condition, using agar as a supporting material led to higher number of roots since day 5 (p<0.05) and on day 9 leaf fresh weight was 1.3-fold higher than using vermiculite (p<0.05).  Therefore, using vermiculite as a supporting material promotes growth of in vitro maize plantlets under photoautotrophic condition, but may inhibit growth under photomixotrophic condition.  The increase in length and number of roots under phototrophic condition may enhance survivability during ex vitro acclimatization.

 

 

 

ChabaDNA

1