Interaction between sucrose and pH during in vitro culture of Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott (Pteridophyta)

Abstract

The present work reports the effect of different pH and sucrose concentrations on in vitro propagation of Nephrolepis biserrata. Fronds aseptically obtained from stolon segment culture were cultivated in MS semi-solid medium supplemented with 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60g.L-1 sucrose and pH adjusted to 3, 5, 7 and 9, in a factorial design. Frond number and length, pinnae number, raquis length and diameter, fresh and dry matter weight were measured. Inhibition of shoot and leaf regeneration was observed in all the pH treatments in the absence of sucrose. On the other hand, when sucrose was added to the medium, the shoot number increased, reaching the maximum average values of 51.25 and 38.25 shoot per explant at pH 5 and 7, respectively. Sucrose concentrations from 15 to 45g.L-1 increased leaf length and diameter and the pH 9 did not affect the dry matter weight, and was still not adequate for development of new fronds. Young sporophytes were successfully acclimated.