Effect of inoculum density on the morphology and physiology of <i>Bambusa vulgaris</i> Schrad. ex Wendl shoots cultured in Temporary Immersion System

Abstract

Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex Wendl is a species of great environmental importance and plays a vital role in the economic development of Cuba.The present work was carried out with objective of determining effect of inoculum density on morphology and physiology of the shoots of B. vulgaris cultivated in SIT. Morphological and physiological parameters of cultivated plants were evaluated at different inoculum densities (6, 12 and 18 explants per SIT) for 30 days. The results showed that densities studied had an effect on growth and physiology of shoots during in vitro multiplication.Studies revealed that number of shoots, shoot length, leaf numbers and chlorophyll increased with inoculum density of 12 explants.However, experiment showed that increase in inoculum density decreased accumulation of total chlorophyll, dry mass content of the shoots and water content.These results showed a better morpho-physiological response of shoots cultivated with 12 explants.This study provides an initial understanding of response of B. vulgaris shoots to cultivation of in vitro conditions, which is important for increasing production of bamboo plants. Keywords: bamboo, chlorophyll, fresh and dry mass content, water content