Effectiveness of silicon sources for in vitro development of gerbera

Each species cultured in vitro has specific nutritional requirements on the culture medium. The use of silicon in culture can provide benefits to plants, such as increase of tolerance to water stress, increase of photosynthetic capacity and reduction in transpiration. These effects may be quite relevant for in vitro growth and development of plant and during acclimatization. However, the effectiveness of this nutrient may vary depending on the used sources. The aim of this study was to verify the ideal concentration of the MS culture medium and to evaluate the to evaluate the different sources as well as the function of silicon for in vitro development and acclimatization of gerbera plantlets. Shoots (4–6 cm) of gerbera ( Gerbera jamesonii cv. Jaguar Cream) cultured in vitro were inoculated in MS medium with different concentrations of salts (MS ¼, MS ½, MS ¾, MS) supplemented with different silicon sources (potassium silicate, sodium silicate, calcium silicate and silicic acid) at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg L −1 . The use of MS ¼ medium and the supplementation of 0.25 g L −1 calcium silicate provided better shoot development. The acclimatization rate was not affected by the origin of plants treated in vitro by different silicon sources, their concentrations, and the used culture medium. Thus, the use of silicon is beneficial for in vitro development of gerberas, however, the effectiveness depends on the used source. Key message In vitro shoots of Gerbera jamesonii cv. Jaguar Cream regenerate better, shoots are taller and healthier, and root more effectively when are cultured on MS 1/4 supplemented with 0.25 mg L −1 calcium silicate.