Induction of homozygous Spathiphyllum wallisii genotypes through gynogenesis

In Spathiphyllum wallisii the production of doubled haploids was attempted. Different combinations of growth regulators were tested, as well as differ ent cultivars. The use of TDZ (0.25-1 muM) in ovary cultures of Spathiphyll um was required. On the contrary, cytokinins were not crucial during ovule culture; in fact, the use of a too high TDZ concentration induced diploid p arthenogenesis in ovules of `Alfa'. The use of the imidazole fungicides IMA , PRO or TRI during ovary culture was not critical, though they enhanced th e swelling of ovules during ovary culture, making the isolation of the ovul es easier. The ovule cultures yielded different plantlets. Flow cytometry a nd AFLP-patterns showed that two doubled haploid genotypes could be obtaine d from `Stefanie'. These plants showed a normal phenotype. We concluded tha t the induction of homozygous Spathiphyllum through gynogenesis is possible and is genotype dependent.