In vitro multiplication of Colocasia esculenta clone ‘INIVIT MC-2001’ in semi-automated culture systems

Abstract

One alternative to increase yields in the taro (Colocasia esculenta) culture, could be the application of biotechnological methods, especially semi-automated systems. The new clone ‘INIVIT MC-2001’ with high productive potential, have low multiplication coefficients in conventional seed production systems. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the effect of semi-automated systems on the in vitro multiplication of taro ‘INIVIT MC-2001’. The effect of three semi-automated systems culture was studied: temporary Immersion system, immersion system with constant aeration to the culture medium and constant immersion system with aeration to the inner atmosphere of the culture recipient. The type of semi-automated culture system influenced the multiplication coefficient, the best results were obtained with the temporary immersion system (8.46) and the immersion system with constant aeration of the culture medium (8.42) which are alternatives for increasing the multiplication coefficient in clone ‘INIVIT MC-2001’. Key words: in vitro culture, taro, temporary immersion