Optimization of a Surface Sterilization Protocol and Determination of Hormonal Combination for In vitro Propagation of the Aquatic Ornamental Plant Echinodorus palifolius

The in vitro propagation of Echinodorus palifolius, an aquatic plant highly valued in aquascaping, is crucial for meeting its growing demand in the global market. This study aimed to optimize the surface sterilization protocol and hormonal combination to establish in vitro propagation of Echinodorus palifolius under the specific conditions of Sri Lanka. Various sterilants, including Clorox, ethanol, and hydrogen peroxide, and different time durations were tested for leaves and roots to identify the most effective sterilization method. The study also evaluated the impact of different hormone treatments on root and leaf growth. The findings indicate that a combination of 10% Clorox and 70% ethanol is most effective for root sterilization, while TDZ and 2,4-D hormones show significant promise in inducing root growth. These optimized protocols offer a practical solution for large-scale production, providing a sustainable and efficient method to cultivate high-quality plants for both commercial and research purposes. Keywords: Echinodorus palifolius; Aquatic; Orna- mental; Surface sterilization; In vitro propagation