Obtention of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam. cv. `PKM criolla' <i>in vitro</i> plants from nodal segments

Abstract

Moringa oleifera L. is considered a perennial plant that has exceptional nutritional qualities. This species is very rich in protein, vitamins and minerals; that is why it is an important complement to the food and feed. Among the strategic goals of Cuba is its introduction on a commercial scale, but there is insufficient availability of plants for planting in the field. The in vitro propagation could help to solve the growing demand for planting material. The objective of this work was to obtain in vitro plants of Moringa oleifera L. var. `PKM criolla' from nodal segments. In the establishment phase with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite the highest values of number of sprouted buds with low microbial contamination and necrosis of the explants were obtained. In the multiplication stage the largest multiplication coefficient was achieved when at the culture medium was added 2.22 µM 6-benzylaminopurine. Growing conditions were defined to establish and in vitro multiplication of Moringa oleifera L. nodal segments as a useful tool for future in vitro propagation of this specie. Key words: establishment, 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), multiplication