Histodifferentiation and ultrastructure of nodular cultures from seeds of Mez var. (L.B. Smith) L.B. Smith and leaf explants of Leme & A. Costa (Bromeliaceae).

Micropropagation induction, multiplication and development of nodular cultures (NCs) is an efficient regeneration system for Bromeliaceae, a family of endangered monocot plants with ornamental value. Therefore, the present work aimed to induce NCs from seeds and leaf explants of in order to characterize the morphological and histochemical aspects of induction and formation of these cultures. Seeds of var. were sterilized and inoculated into liquid culture media supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators. Leaf explants of were inoculated into medium supplemented with 4 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The addition of NAA (4 μM) in the culture medium used for seeds led to an induction rate of 72% in NCs. First, the embryo began to germinate, and afterwards, nodular structures started to form. While NCs formed from seeds is associated with root and shoot meristems, the formation of NCs from leaf explants involves the intercalary meristem. Meristematic cells generate an appropriate response in the induction medium, producing NCs by the proliferation of small cells with meristematic characteristics and large vacuolated cells. These results provide a better understanding of morphogenetic responses in bromeliads and, hence, the opportunity to develop optimized micropropagation protocols. : BAP, 6-benzylaminopurine; 2-iP, N6 (2-isopentyl) adenine; CBB, Coomassie Brilliant Blue; CLSM, confocal laser scanning microscopy; MSB, MS basal medium; NAA, α-Naphthalene acetic acid; NCs, nodular cultures; PAS, Periodic Acid-Schiff; SEM, scanning electron microscopy; TDZ, N-phenyl-N'-1,2,3-thidiazol-5-ylurea; TB-O, Toluidine Blue O; TEM, Transmission electron microscopy.