PLANT REGENERATION TECHNIQUE FROM RHIZOME EXPLANTS OF Aglaonema simplex

An efficient plant regeneration protocol for rapid propagation of Aglaonema simplex was developed. Shoot organogenesis occurred from the rhizome inoculated on medium with appropriate supplements of plant growth regulators. More then 100 shoots were formed per explant cultured on a MS medium containing 3 mg/1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Regenerated shoots formed complete plantlets on the phytohormone-free medium. Mature plants were generated, acclimatized and allowed to thrive in an aquarium. The regeneration protocol developed in this study provides a basis for germplasm conservation and the commercialization of A. simplex as ornamental plants.