Micropropagation studies on Zamioculcas zamiifolia Engl. (ZZ) as to the position and orientation of leaflet explants and plant growth regulators were carried out. Explants consisted of leaflet lamina from the basal or apical part of the leaflet with or without petiolule or midrib that were placed vertically into the medium except for the explants with midrib from the basal part of the leaflet that were placed horizontally as well. The explants were cultured on solid Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with 30 g l(-1) sucrose, supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 2 or 4 mg l(-1) and 6-benzyladenine (BA) at 0 or 4.44 mu M in all (four) possible combinations, or with 1-naphteleneacetic acid (NAA) at 0 or 5.38 mu M and BA at 0 or 4.44 mu M in all (four) possible combinations (establishment medium). The morphogenic response was direct from all types of leaflet explants and varied only with respect to different plant growth regulators of the medium: 2,4-D combined or not with BA formed somatic embryo-like structures; NAA alone produced tubers and roots; BA alone resulted mainly in leaves; NAA combined with BA produced mainly roots. The intensity of the response varied accordingly to the explant type and orientation. Explants with petiolule or midrib from the basal part of the leaflet showed the highest morphogenic response compared to explants without petiolule or midrib or to explants from the apical part of the leaflet, in all the plant growth regulator combinations used. Explants with midrib from the basal part of the leaflet placed vertically into the media showed higher morphogenic response compared to those placed horizontally on the medium surface. With the objective to regenerate plantlets, explants were subcultured on MS with NAA and BA at various concentrations based on the explant response in the establishment medium, taking into consideration the initial explant type. The initial explant type did not affect the response in the subculture. Most plantlets (a tuber with roots and one leaf with one pair of leaflets) were produced by explants with embryo-like structures induced in a medium with only 2,4-D. Explants with tubers induced in a medium with NAA gave plantlets at 65-85% when subcultured in a medium with 4,44 mu M BA alone or in combination with 2.69 mu M NAA. Explants with leaves induced in a medium with BA and explants with roots induced in a medium with NAA and BA gave plantlets at low percentages (20-40%). The best response was produced by explants with embryo like structures induced in a medium with only 2,4-D which gave plantlets at 100% when subcultured in the medium with 2.69 mu M NAA and 2.22 mu M BA. Plantlets raised in different treatments were transplanted ex vitro after 22 weeks and exhibited 80-100% survival. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.
