2.2. Effect of explant and plant growth regulator types on the growth and shoot induction percentages of three Philodedron cultivars
The explants tested included leaf petiole (i.e. ∼5 mm in length), leaf lamina (∼8 mm × 3 mm section with two cuts made across the midvein), and stem nodal segment (containing 2 nodes each and measuring ∼4 mm in length). The explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with either 0.5 mg l−1 of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.5 mg l−1 of thidiazuron (TDZ) or both. All the explants were placed horizontally on the medium and the lamina explants were placed with their adaxial side touching the medium. The growth as well as the shoot induction percentages of the different explants was evaluated three months following the treatments. Growth was recorded when any type of new structures were produced from the original explant. Shoot induction was recorded when at least one visible shoot formed on the explant. Three replicate Petri dishes were used for each treatment with six explants in each dish.