MICROPROPAGATION OF SPATHIPHYLLUM AND SYNGONIUM IS FACILITATED BY USEOF INTERFACIAL MEMBRANE RAFTS

Explant growth and shoot multiplication of Spathiphyllum and Syngonium were compared on agar-solidified medium and interfacial membrane raft s floating on liquid medium. After 25 d of culture, greater shoot mult iplication and fresh mass gain were achieved by plant material grown o n rafts. Shoot multiplication of Spathiphyllum and Syngonium on membra ne rafts reached a maximum at 25 d, whereas the fresh mass increased t hroughout the culture period (40 d). The number of shoots of Spathiphy llum and Syngonium material grown on membrane rafts remained constant between 25 and 40 d of culture. The plants grown on membrane rafts als o developed more roots.