Thidiazuron and Other Plant Bioregulators for Axenic Culture of Siam Cardamom (Amomum krervanh Pierre ex Gagnep.)

Abstract

Siam cardamom, one of the most common spice and medicinal plants in Southeast Asia, is usually propagated by vegetative means. Identifi cation of suitable plant bioregulators for high shoot proliferation and growth rate is one of the most important steps for an effective micropropagation protocol. The axillary bud from the rhizome of Siam cardamom could be used as an explant for micropropagation. High axillary shoot proliferation (mean = 10.25 shoots per explant) and plant growth rate were attained using a modifi ed Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0.5 mg.L-1 thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2 mg.L-1 imazalil. An MS medium supplemented with 0.75 mg.L-1 TDZ and 3.0 mg.L-1 6-benzyladenine also enhanced shoot multiplication (8.45 shoots per explant). Proliferated shoots successfully elongated and rooted when transferred to the basal MS medium. Inclusion of paclobutrazol to the medium exerted a negative effect on the growth and development of the Siam cardamom.