Effect of Growth Regulators on In-vitro Shooting of Calathea ornata for Commercial Cultivation

Calathea ornata is a member of the family Marantaceae, with glossy, leathery leaves in attractive dark or olive green colors. Its uniquely patterned feathered or fish-bone design of distinct white lines makes it a high demand in the foliage industry as a house plant. The aim of this study was to develop a shoot induction protocol with efficient sterilization technique, best explant type and different combination of growth regulators as a cost-effective method for commercial invitro propagation. Meristem tissue of C. ornata was successfully established with minimum contamination percentage, by following the protocol developed for surface sterilization, using stepwise rinsing with several disinfections. Different concentrations of BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) and NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) were tested for explant initiation and multiplication in ten replicates. The data were analyzed using ANOVA in Complete Randomized Design. The highest number of shoots was induced on MS basal media supplemented with 3.0 mgL-1 BAP and 3.5 mgL-1 NAA. Subsequently, initiated shoots were sub-cultured for shoot multiplication and the highest number of shoots and shoot length were observed in MS media in combination with BAP 3.0 mgL-1 with NAA 3.5 mgL-1 . Above stated effective sterilization and shoot multiplication protocols could be used in commercial in-vitro propagation of Calathea ornata.