Morphogenic pattern of nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis in agar or liquid cultures: Implications for micropropagation

In agar cultures, the morphogenic pattern of Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis shoot tips is directed mainly toward leaf unfolding and growth. Submerged shoot tips or meristemoids in liquid cultures produced mostly meristemoid clusters, with limited leaf development. Aeration in liquid cultures, in rotated flasks, or in bubble bioreactors, neither enhanced leaf formation nor inhibited meristemoid development. Higher levels of agar in the medium resulted in a smaller number of meristemoids and a larger number of leaves developing on meristemoid aggregates initiated in liquid medium. Large-scale liquid cultures provided an efficient method for the production of meristemoid clusters in N. exaltata cv. Bostoniensis, which were then separated mechanically and developed into normal plants.