Abstract:
Artificial seeds were produced from encapsulated micro
shoots of Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl. (African violet). The production
of artificial seeds of this species gave ideal beads based on firmness,
texture, size and shape of beads. The percentage of germination from encapsulated
micro shoots influenced by the concentrations of sodium alginate and calcium
chloride (CaCl2.2H2O) used. It was found that among
the concentrations tested, 3% sodium alginate and the exposure to 100
mM CaCl2.2H2O solution for 30 min had produced optimal
beads with firm, clear, round and uniform size and suitable for handling.
It was also observed that micro shoots obtained from optimization of encapsulation
matrix showed the highest percentage of germination (84%). Encapsulated
micro shoots exposed for 30 min in 100 mM CaCl2.2H2O
solution gave the optimal time of hardening process. The findings suggested
that the encapsulation method for micro shoots could be used as an alternative
to artificial seed derived from somatic embryos of Saintpaulia ionantha.
N. Daud, R.M. Taha and N.A. Hasbullah, 2008. Artificial Seed Production from Encapsulated Micro Shoots of Saintpaulia
ionantha Wendl. (African Violet). Journal of Applied Sciences, 8: 4662-4667.
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