<em>In vitro</em> multiplication of clone 'Viequera' (<em>Xanthosoma</em> spp.) in semi-automated culture systems

Abstract

In Cuba, theXanthosoma genus is highly demanded in the preference of the population in relation to other edible aroids. The temporary immersion system (TIS) may constitute a micropropagation alternative to obtain high quality seed in this crop. The effect of two Semi-automated Culture Systems (SIT) and Constant Immersion Systems (CIS) with aeration through continuous bubbling in culture medium during the multiplication stage of axillaries shoot buds was evaluated. Results allowed demonstrating superiority in the efficiency of SIT regarding CIS in the sprout multiplication of clone ‘Viequera’. Axillaries sprout buds cultivated in TIS showed the best results in the multiplication compared with CIS and the static culture system with passive renewal of the internal atmosphere was used as control. The culture conditions created in the temporary immersion system forin vitro multiplication of axillaries sprout buds achievedthe highest multiplication coefficient(9.56). Thisin vitro culture system will allow increasing the multiplication coefficients in the micropropagation for seed productionin this genus. Keyword: multiplication coefficient, micropropagation, temporary immersion system