Investigating the Impact of Copper Sulfate on the In vitro Propagation of Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.)

Abstract

Aims: Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.) is a valued ornamental plant, but efficient mass propagation methods are lacking. This study investigated the impact of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on its in vitro propagation efficiency. Study Design:  Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, between November 2023 and June 2024. Methodology: Callus induction and shoot regeneration were assessed using various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Benzyladenine (BA), and CuSO4. Callus induction from sterilized leaf explants and callus proliferation were conducted using Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with concentrations of 2,4-D, BA, and CuSO4 in the dark. Shoot regeneration from the calli was performed on a modified MS medium with different concentrations of growth regulators and CuSO4 under light. Regenerated shoots were then transferred to a medium enriched with CuSO4 for rooting, and the survival rate of the acclimatized plants was assessed. Results: The results show CuSO4 significantly enhanced callus induction and shoot regeneration rates. The optimal medium for callus induction consisted of MS medium with 0.3 mg/L 2,4-D, 1.0 mg/L BA, and 5.0 mg/L CuSO4, leading to rapid induction (46 days) and a high induction percentage (86.67%) of calli. For shoot regeneration, the most effective medium contained 0.1 mg/L 2,4-D, 0.75 mg/L BA, and 5.0 mg/L CuSO4, showing superior regeneration efficiency in total shoot number and average shoot length. The success of root initiation and acclimatization improved notably in plants derived from CuSO4 treated media, with a survival rate of 92%. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of CuSO4 in enhancing the in vitro propagation of Anthurium andraeanum Lind., with optimal callus induction and shoot regeneration observed at specific concentrations. The inclusion of CuSO4 led to rapid callus formation, superior shoot regeneration, and a high survival rate during acclimatization.