The effect of ammonium on in vitro culture of Cryptocoryne ciliata

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.