ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to compare physiological development of Heliconia bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two plants derived from in vitro culture of zygotic embryos and conventional propagation. Heliconias obtained from rhizomes and from in vitro multiplication were evaluated every 30 days during ten months under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized, with ten repetitions, and the 2x10 factorial arrangement consisted of two plant multiplication methods and ten evaluations performed at different times. The analyzed biometric parameters were plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf area, and color intensity in the bracts. Plants derived from in vitro culture showed significant differences in the development of the evaluated physiological parameters in comparison to plants derived from rhizomes, and they also showed early flowering. Although the in vitro cultured plants were derived from zygotic embryos, no morphological changes were found in the vegetative and reproductive parts (inflorescence) of the plants or in the colorimetry. It shows that the in vitro cultures of zygotic embryos may be used as a technique to produce seedlings on a large-scale, thus allowing the floriculture sector to grow in the region and all over the country.
Keywords:
Heliconia bihai; micropropagation; rhizome; vegetative propagation
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