Development of an in vitro Culture Procedure using Seeds from Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' as Explants In vitro Vermehrung von Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' mit Samen als Primärexplantat

Experiments were carried out to optimise the medium for the in vitro culture of Z. aethiopica ‘Green Goddess’ using seeds as explant and to promote multiple shoot development on germinating seeds. The germination on in vitro medium took place without problem. Optimal temperature, medium composition and cultural conditions for germination and for the further culture were investigated. Germination took place earliest at 20 °C, but highest germination rates occurred at 14 °C. Delayed germination and lower germination rates were observed on medium containing high agar concentration than on liquid medium or sand. Use of Agar-Roth led to the browning and death of resulting seedlings. On the other hand, shoots on medium gelled with Gelrite were unaffected. High sucrose levels also detrimentally affected germination. High concentrations of BAP were required for seedlings to be stimulated into branching and to multiple shoot formation. Shoot formation occurred more frequently after direct sowing on phytohormone containing medium than after sowing on phytohormone free medium followed by reculture on phytohormone containing medium. Seedling decapitation resulted in increased number of axillary shoots.