THE EFFECT OF IMPROVISED MEDIA AND SUGAR CONCENTRATION ON IN VITRO SHOOT MULTIPLICATION OF RICCIA FLUITANS L.: AN AMPHIBIOUS LIVERWORT

Abstract

In the present study, effect of different regeneration media (R) and combination (R1 = MS medium, R2 = MS Salts + B5 vitamins, R3 = MS salts + SH vitamins, R4 = SH medium, R5 = SH salts + MS vitamins, R6 = SH salts + B5 vitamins) and various carbon sources (glucose, sucrose and fructose) was investigated on efficient in vitro shoot multiplication of Riccia fluitans. The media composition significantly affected (P <= 0.05) length, width, area, fresh and dry weight of clumps on multiplied plants. The R5 medium produced highest length (2.58 cm), width (2.16 cm), area (5.57 cm(2)), fresh weight (402.6 g) and dry weight (37.6 g) on regenerated clumps that showed healthier and green plant on culture medium. However, the regenerated clumps diameter was also significantly influenced (P <= 0.05) by the type and concentration of sugar (carbon sources) used. The highest clump diameter (7.27 cm) was obtained on R5 medium supplemented with 1.5% sucrose. Whereas, the higher concentration fructose (4.5 and 6.0%) showed abnormalities and phenotypic growth inhibition on cultured explants. The present paper reports direct production of multiple shoots of riccia plant make it a potential system for developing true-to-type plant that maintain genetic stability for future commercial production of this ornamental aquatic plant.