Bacterial contamination management on in vitro propagation of axillary buds of Colocasia esculenta cv. ‘INIVIT MC-2012’

Abstract

The in vitro propagation of Colocasia esculenta is limited by the presence of microbial contaminants, especially bacteria. The objective of this work was to demonstrate that the inclusion of actions for the bacterial contamination management in the in vitro propagation of C. esculenta cv. ‘INIVIT MC-2012’, from field explants, can reduce losses. Two in vitro propagation protocols were used and the incidence of bacterial contaminants in the establishment and multiplication stages was compared. One protocol modified the other with actions for the management of bacterial contamination. In each one, 20 primary rhizomes were taken from which at least two axillary buds were extracted and from each one a line was established. The number of explants contaminated with bacteria per subculture was quantified. Bacterial contamination was observed in the culture medium below or around the explants, indicating the initial explant as the primary source of contamination. With the application of the modified protocol, the percentage of losses due to bacterial contamination in all subcultures evaluated was reduced. In the in vitro establishment it did not exceed 5%. The combination of actions for the management of bacterial contamination among which are the reduction of the size of the explant, the work by lines and the visual detection of contaminants prior to the subculture of the plant material reduces the presence of bacterial contaminants in the in vitro propagation of C. esculenta cv. ‘INIVIT MC-2012’.

Keywords

• contaminant detection
• explant
• taro