Effect of substrate type on the acclimatization of <em>in vitro</em> plants of <em>B. vulgaris</em> var. vulgaris

Abstract

Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris has several uses. The biotechnological propagation can be an alternative to reach the demand of planting material. This investigation was aimed to determine the influence of substrate type on the acclimatization of in vitro plants. Two main components (worm humus (HL) and zeolite (Z)) were used to produce the substrate. These were combined (HL 70% and 30% Z, HL 60% and 40% Z, HL 50% and Z 50%, HL 80% and 20% Z). Worm compost and zeolite substrate was used as control. In vitro plants from rooting phase were acclimatized for 90 days. The number of roots per plant was assessed every 10 days (root length, number of shoots per plant, plant height and leave number). Survival was determined after 30 days of planting. Plant fresh and dry mass (g) were determined, subsequently, after 90 days of culture. Results demonstrated thatthetype of substrate influenced on the acclimatization of plants of B. vulgaris in greenhouse. The highest survival (%) ,number and length of roots as well as number of shoots per plant, fresh and dry mass of roots and cauline area, were achieved when the zeolite and worm humus were combined and by increasing the proportion of this last product. Keywords: bamboo, worm humus, zeolite