Although suckers and seedlings can be used for the propagation of bromeliads, the low number of propagules and cross-variation limit their uniformity and mass cultivation. In this study, high-efficiency shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration were achieved on callus derived from petal and ovary explants of Aechmea fasciata (Bromeliaceae). Calluses were induced on half-strength Murashige and Skoog inorganic salts (1/2MS) supplemented with 1.0-1.5 mg l -1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in combination with 1.0 or 0.5 mg l -1 a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and shoots regenerated after transfer to 1/2MS basal medium containing the combination of 1.0 mg l -1 NAA ? 0.5 mg l -1 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea. Those plantlets grown under a middle light intensity (50 lmol m -2 s -1 ) showed a dramatic increase in survival percentage (up to 95%) and the maximum number of newly developing roots. The plantlets that were transplanted onto pots were successfully grown in the greenhouse.

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