ISHS Acta Horticulturae 813: VI International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
IN VIVO POLYPLOIDIZATION OF ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA |
| Authors: | S.D. Vanzie-Canton, K.W. Leonhardt |
| Keywords: | colchicine, ZZ, tetraploid, flow cytometry, cultivar development |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.813.72 |
| Abstract:
The ability of Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) to grow under low light conditions, its tolerance to drought stress, unique appearance, low maintenance requirements and limited pest problems are characteristics that contribute significantly to its ornamental and interior plantscaping value. With only one species in the genus of this foliage ornamental, the creation of new clones may allow breeding and variety development to advance more quickly. The objective of this experiment was to produce a tetraploid Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ) plant. Leaflets (before and after rhizome development) of a diploid ZZ plant (2n = 34) were treated with 0.05%, 0.2 %, and 0.4% colchicine for 24 hours with distilled water used as the control. Ploidy level changes were confirmed via flow cytometry. Eight mixoploid (2x + 4x) and 5 tetraploid (4x) plants were identified. Tetraploid plants were produced at the following concentrations: 0.4% colchicine (leaflets treated before rhizome development); 0.05% and 0.2% colchicine (leaflets treated after rhizome development). The identified mixoploids represent plants with leaflets composed of diploid and tetraploid tissue or plants in which the ploidy level varies from leaf to leaf. Tetraploid plants showed a slower growth rate (dwarfed appearance) and thicker, greener leaves as compared to the control. The induction of tetraploids using this method has proven to be simple and cheap. | |
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