IN VITRO PLANTLETS FROM SOMATIC EMBRYOS OF SELECTED ORNAMENTAL PLANTS - A NEW PROSPECT FOR INTERIOR DECORATIONS AND HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY

Somatic embryogenesis is a multi-step process for the induction and development of somatic embryo and the production of plantlets phenotypically like the parental clones (Stefaniak, 1994) but in miniature at first. In this study, several ornamental plants such as Gerbera jamesonii, Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch., and Saintpaulia ionantha were successfully regenerated through somatic embryogenesis process, starting from leaf, petiole and stem. Explant were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with growth regulators such as 6-Benzyl¬aminopurine (BAP), α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and Thidiazuron (TDZ). Due to the attractiveness and elegance of in vitro plantlets derived from somatic embryos, they have the potential to be promoted and marketed as interior decorations, scientific handicrafts and further publicized as a new prospect in horticulture industry.