Steering stomatal dynamics by chemicals during acclimatization of Spathiphyllum

The acclimatization of micropropagated plants is one of the crucial phases for success of a tissue culture protocol. Tissue cultured plants have no functional stomata, a reduced root system and an underdeveloped cuticula. By steering the stomatal dynamics or minimizing respiration, acclimatization might be optimized. In this research, we try to regulate stomatal behavior and respiration during the acclimatization phase by chemical triggers as plant growth regulators and antitranspirants. Therefore, Spathiphyllum plantlets were drenched in different plant growth regulators before transfer to the greenhouse. Afterwards stomatal conductance and water retention were measured during the acclimatization. The water retention measurements demonstrated that the crucial phase during acclimatization takes place between day four and day seven. Promising effects of abscisic acid, antitranspirants and paclobutrazol on acclimatization of the tissue cultured plantlets were observed.