In vitro propagation of Eucomis autumnalis, E-comosa, and E-zambesiaca by twin-scaling

Shoot formed in vitro from twin-scale explants of Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt., E. comosa (Houtt.) Wehrh., and E. zambesiaca Bak. cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium containing 0.0, 4.4, 11.1, or 22.2 mu M BA and 0.0 or 5.4 mu M NAA. In all three species, shoot proliferation was obtained from single-shoot explants subcultured on medium supplemented with 4.4, 11.1, or 22.2 mu M BA and 0.0 or 5.4 mu M NAA. Shoots of all three species rooted readily on MS medium supplemented with 0.0, 2.7, 5.4, or 10.8 mu M NAA. Overall rooting percentages were 95%, 98%, and 100% for E. autumnalis, E. comosa, and E. zambesiaca, respectively. Plant survival for rooted shoots of all three species was 100% following transfer to a 1 perlite : 1 peat (v/v) medium in the greenhouse. Chemical names used: 6-benzyladenine (BA); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).