Abstract:
A study was conducted mainly to determine the effect of ammonium in the form of
ammonium sulphate, (NH4)2S04 on in vitro culture of Cryptocoryne ciliata, an aquatic
plant locally known as 'keladi laut'. The study was done by treating the explants in 4
concentrations of ammonium, which are 1, 2, 3 and 4mM with a control. The growth
(fresh and dry weight), reducing sugar, total soluble protein, peroxidase and
polyphenoloxidase enzyme activities were determined every 5 days for 30 days. The
addition of ammonium into medium has reduced the biomass production in both fresh
and dry weight. The content of reducing sugar was also inhibited by the ammonium. The
peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase enzyme activities were found to have been promoted
by moderate concentration of ammonium which is 2mM. Besides that, high concentration
of ammonium, 4mM in the medium has increased the total soluble protein of the
explants.
