EFFECT OF NaH2PO4 ON DIFFERENTIATION OF IN VITRO PROPAGATED BIRD NEST FERN (ASPLENIUMNIDUS L.)

Nutrients are sources of nourishment and survival for plants. Salt stress changes the morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of plants. Bird nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is typically an exotic plant and belongs to the fern family. Spores of Asplenium nidus were used as an explant for In vitro propagation. After sterilization, the spores of Asplenium nidus were sprinkled over on MS initiation media of different strengths (1/2MS, 1/4 MS, 3/4 MS and Full MS). It was experiential that varying strength of nutrient components of the media has shown markedly influence. It was found that 90% highest number of green prothalli, larger in size were germinated on 1/2 strength MS media. Prothalli shifted onto multiplication media which correspond 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators BAP (1-4 mg/L) and NAA (0.5-0.1 mg/L), 3% sugar and 0.25% w/v phytagel. It is observed that the F7 media showed an intense effect on the multiplication of plants, Plantlets multiplied vigorously were transferred onto differentiation media. In vitro differentiation of Asplenium nidus plantlets were optimized on differentiation media, MF media which corresponds with half -strength MS media supplemented with NaH2PO4, and MK medium supplemented with KH2PO4 containing BAP (2mg/L) and NAA (0.5mg/L), 3% sugar and 0.25 w/v solidifying agent (phytagel) was incorporated in each combination at pH 5.75, Media containing NaH2PO4 showed different degrees of differentiation as compared to the media correspond with KH2PO4. The effect of liquid and solid supporting media on the rapid growth of micro propagated fern species Asplenium nidus was also studied about the accessibility of nutrients and water in the culture medium. In this study, two different types of media were used each restrain half -strength MS media containing growth regulators BAP (2mg/L), NAA (0.5mg/L) and IBA (2mg/L) respectively, along with the addition of 200 mg/L NaH2PO4. When shoots attained a sufficient length and become differentiated, then plants were transferred into auxin -rich media. Experiments were conducted to study the effect of different types and levels of auxins in rooting media. Differentiated plantlets were consequently shifted on medium for proliferation of root. Field trials experiments were designed and plantlets of Asplenium nidus were acclimatized in the greenhouse.