DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NERINE HYBRIDS IN MICROPROPAGATION POTENTIAL

Micropropagation ability of nine F1 clones derived from reciprocal crosses between Nerine angustifolia (Bak.) W. Watson and N. sarniensis (L.) Herb. was investigated. Cultures were started using twin scales from almost full-grown bulbs. Newly formed plantlets in these cultures developed bulblets. Using the in vitro bulblets, a long-term micropropagation procedure was established on solid MS medium with 0.3 mg l-1 IBA. Bulblets more than 100 mg in weight were suitable for subculture. Significant differences in multiplication ability between the F1 clones were observed during four propagation cycles. In the last cycle, the most outstanding clone still reached a 7.9 times multiplication versus 0.3 times in the lowest producing clone. Removal of the upper half of the bulblets as well as addition of 0.1-1 mg l-1 BA to the medium increased multiplication. The results from this study indicate that large genetic variation for propagation potential can be identified in the course of a breeding programme in Nerine.