Optimization of in vitro regeneration and microcorm induction in elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) is a vegetatively propagated stem tuber crop. In this investigation we describe a highly competent and reproducible in vitro propagation of the plant from corm bud, petiole and young leaf explants. Friable callus was initiated from all the explants on modified MS medium (half the concentration of NH4NO3 and KNO3) supplemented with 0.5 mg l-1 each of benzyl amino purine (BAP), α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Shoot regeneration from calli was optimal on modified MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg l-1 BAP and 1.0 mg l-1 NAA. Microcorms, capable of producing micro shoots all over the surface, were induced from the callus at a frequency of 90% on shoot regeneration medium supplemented with 5% sucrose. Rooting was 100% on modified liquid MS medium augmented with 5.0 mg l-1 Indole 3- butyric acid (IBA). A 100% survival rate of plantlets on transplantation to soil: sand: coir pith mixture was recorded.Keywords: Callus, elephant foot yam, in vitro, microcorms, regeneration, somatic embryoAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(49) 4508-4514