Multiple Shoot Regeneration Of Ceratophyllum Demersum L. On Agar Solidified And Liquid Mediums

Coontail or hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum L.) is a submergent aquatic macrophyte from Ceratophyllaceae family that has been widely used to remove heavy metals (photoremediation) and for pollution monitoring (biomonitor) in the aquatic environment. Besides that, it is used as aquatic plant and as a source of food for some livestock and poultry. Shoot tips, 1st and 2nd nodal explants of C. demersum were cultured on agar solidified or liquid MS medium supplemented with 0.05-0.80 mg/L BA. Multiple shoot regeneration without callus induction was recorded on both agar solidified and liquid culture media. However, earlier shoot induction and more mean number of shoots per explant with longer shoots were recorded on liquid culture medium compared to solidified medium. Maximum shoot regeneration frequency from all explants on both culture mediums was obtained at 0.05 mg/L BA. Comparing explant types, 2nd nodal meristem explants gave more number of shoots per explants (16.75 and 204.33 from solid and liquid culture medium), respectively. In vitro regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized in aquariums, and plants can be easily acclimatized at slight acidic to slight alkaline pH levels.