In vitro flower induction and cyto-genetic fidelity assessment of Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques var. comosum.

• First report on in vitro flower induction in chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques var. comosum. • First report on genetic fidelity analysis using RAPD, ISSR and SCoT markers. • First report on 2C nuclear DNA content of micropropagated plants using flow cytometry. • Our study will help to understand the floral organ differentiation and development mechanism. • Current mass propagation protocol will provide genetically stable system for foliage industry. Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques var. comosum belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is unique for phytoremediation of indoor pollutants and tolerant to low light intensity. In the present study, we have taxonomically characterized the species using morphological characteristics and herbarium has been prepared for specimen identification. Further, an efficient in vitro propagation system was established using nodal explants. Maximum shoots were observed in MS medium containing 2 mg/l BAP. Subsequent sub-culturing of shoots in different concentrations of BAP, MT and combinations of BAP/NAA in MS medium resulted in floral induction. Highest rooting percentage was found in MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l PBZ. Well-rooted plants were acclimatized into the mixture of sand: soil: vermiculite::1:1:1 (v/v) ratio with more than 90% success. The in vitro system of propagation established in this plant could be successfully used as a model system to study floral morphogenesis and developmental studies. Moreover, this is the first report on in vitro flowering and genetic fidelity analysis using flow cytometry and molecular markers including RAPD, ISSR and SCoT. All the 8 RAPD markers, 4 ISSR markers, 9 SCoT markers and 2C nuclear DNA content indicates no genetic variation among regenerates with mother plant. The current standardized method of regeneration is not susceptible to genetic alteration and provides an unconventionally steadfast system for mass multiplication of genetically stable plants to meet the demand of foliage plant industry demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]