Micropropagation of Java Cardamom (Amomum compactum)

Abstract

Java cardamom (Amomum compactum) is hardly propagated with rhizome without the mother plant.  In vitro culture could overcome the problem through mass propagation for seedling production or other purposes such as genetic material for mutation breeding. The aim of the research was to generate protocol of establishing Java cardamom micropropagation.  This research consisted of 4 aspects i.e. shoot induction of mother plant (without Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) and using PGR BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) 1000 ppm), explant origin selection (main stem, rhizome bud height >3 cm, rhizome bud height ≤3 cm and lateral rhizome), sterilization procedure establishment (4 methods differ in the use of  detergent, HgCl2, Alcohol, NaOCl, Ethanol, Iodine and soaking time in fungicide and bactericide) and shoot multiplication (MS 0, MS 0 + BAP 1 ppm and MS 0 + BAP 1 ppm + NAA 1 ppm). Result showed the application of 1000 ppm BAP to mature plant could induce shoot emergence.  The best explant source was rhizome bud that smaller or equal to 3 cm.  The highest survival rate (71%) was recorded when explants disinfected with 70% alcohol for 30 seconds and 0.1 % mercuric chloride for 5 minutes.  Java cardamom in vitro culture showed highest shoot multiplication rate in MS 0 + BAP 1 ppm medium (multiplier of 10 shoots/explant in 18 weeks).  Keywords: explant, in vitro propagation, Plant Growth Regulator, rhizome, shoot multiplication