Induction, multiplication, and acclimatization of rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) plant from Indonesia by in vitro organogenesis

Rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) is a native Indonesian medicinal herb with high anticancer activity. Propagation of rodent tuber is hard to be achieved by using conventional methods. The purpose of this research is to optimize method and media for propagating rodent tuber through initiation, induction, multiplication, and acclimatization. Rodent tuber was obtained from Pekalongan, Indonesia. In vitro rodent tuber plantlets were induced through direct single node culture of tuber. Shoot induction was achieved on MS 1 mgL−1 2,4-D combined with 0.3 mgL−1 BAP and 1 mgL−1 NAA combined with 0.5 mgL−1. Induced shoots were initiated on MS media supplemented with (1, 0.5, 1.5 mgL−1) NAA and (1, 0.5, 0.5 mgL−1) BAP. Shoots were then multiplicated on MS media supplemented with (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 mgL−1) NAA and 0.5 mgL−1 BAP to investigate the effect of NAA concentrations on shoot proliferation. Plantlets were acclimatizated on husk and compost (1:1) media and post-acclimatizated on husk, soil, and compost (1:1:1) media. The highest percentage of viable induced explants (66.67%) was obtained on MS 1 mgL−1 2,4-D and 0.3 mgL−1 BAP. The maximum number of shoots obtained in the initiation stage (14 shoots) was achieved on MS media supplemented with 0.5 mgL−1 NAA and 0.5 mgL−1 BAP. The maximum number of shoots obtained in the multiplication stage (8.2 ± 3.19) was achieved on MS media supplemented with 0.5 mgL−1 NAA and 0.5 mgL−1 BAP. The survival rate of rodent tuber during acclimatization period was 100% and during post-acclimatization period was 58%. Rodent tuber has been successfully multiplicated through direct organogenesis in vitro.