Micropropagation of bromeliad Aechmea fasciata via floral organ segments and effects of acclimatization on plantlet growth

Although suckers and seedlings can be used for the propagation of bromeliads, the low number of propagules and cross-variation limit their uniformity and mass cultivation. In this study, high-efficiency shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration were achieved on callus derived from petal and ovary explants of Aechmea fasciata (Bromeliaceae). Calluses were induced on half-strength Murashige and Skoog inorganic salts (1/2MS) supplemented with 1.0-1.5 mg l(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in combination with 1.0 or 0.5 mg l(-1) alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and shoots regenerated after transfer to 1/2MS basal medium containing the combination of 1.0 mg l(-1) NAA + 0.5 mg l(-1) 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea. Those plantlets grown under a middle light intensity (50 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) showed a dramatic increase in survival percentage (up to 95%) and the maximum number of newly developing roots. The plantlets that were transplanted onto pots were successfully grown in the greenhouse.