In vitro multiplication of Vriesea scalaris E. Morren (Bromeliaceae)

Vriesea scalaris is an ornamental bromeliad. The overall aim of this research was to establish conditions for in vitro multiplication and growth. Seeds were disinfected and in vitro germinated on MS medium containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4.5 iM BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) or KIN (6-furfurylaminopurine or kinetin). Rooting was achieved on half strength MS supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5, or 10 iM IBA (indole-3-butyric acid). Some seedlings (thirty-day-old) were kept on MS medium in the presence of 10 mL.L-1 B5 vitamins and others in the absence. Leaf explants were cultured on MSL medium (MS salts and vitamins, 30 g.L-1 sucrose, 0.15 g.L-1 ascorbic acid, 0.4 iM BAP, 0.5 iM NAA (alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid) and solidifi ed with 6 g.L-1 agar) and submitted  o the treatments: MSL medium (control); MSL + 0.06g.L-1 NH4NO3; MSL + 0.25g.L-1 hydrolyzed casein or MSL + 2mL.L-1 Fuji vitamins. BAP was more suitable than KIN for shoot multiplication. IBA at the concentrations used induced low rooting, the absence of IBA promoted a better rooting rate. The B5 vitamins promoted an increase in multiplication rate. The results of these experiments demonstrated the viability of the in vitro multiplication for this species. Seedlings and leaf explants showed the same multiplication rate (ca. 8 shoots per explant). These protocols can be used for in vitro propagation and for in vitro germplasm conservation.