The potential of developing an <i>in vitro</i> method for propagating Strelitziaceae

Abstract

Strelitzia spp. are highly valued as cut flowers and are of significant commercial value. Despite high demands, they have not been widely spread due to production constraints and are one of the few important cut flower  plants for which no uniform cultivars are available. The conventional methods of propagation are very slow due to the plants low rate of multiplication. Large scale propagation and cloning is therefore needed to exploit its potential. Despite the plants commercial importance, a method for micropropagation has not yet been  established. Tissue culture attempts of this plant have failed due to the oxidative browning of explants.  Wounded tissues release polyphenolic compounds which are detrimental to further development of explants. Only partial success and a low rate of multiplication have been obtained. This review explores the possibilities of developing an in vitro method for the successful propagation of Strelitzia spp.

Key words: Strelitzia spp., activated charcoal, antioxidants, auxins, cytokinins, dark incubation, immature
embryos, media composition, wounding.