Recalcitrant Nature of Hamelia patens Jacq. Towards Androgenic Induction

Abstract

Hamelia patens Jacq. is an ornamental and medicinal plant commonly known as “redhead,” “scarlet,” or “fire bush.” belongs to the Madder family (Rubiaceae). Till now, attempts to introduce androgenesis in H. patens were not made as evident from the research literature reviews. The focus of this study was to develop an efficient and reproducible protocol for the induction of androgenesis in this ornamental plant by optimizing microspore developmental stages, pretreatments, growth regulator combinations in nutrient media, etc. The uninucleate stages of microspore development were observed in the bud size ranging from 14 mm to 18 mm. However, only a few swellings in the cultured anthers were observed and the further calli induction leading to the androgenesis was not achieved in the H. patens.