Mass propagation of tobala mezcal maguey (Agave potatorum Zucc.) in a temporary immersion system compared with a solid medium

Abstract

Objective: To assess a temporary immersion system for the in vitro propagation of Agave potatorum Zucc., compared with the traditional micropropagation technique that uses a solid medium. Design/Methodology/Approach: The effect of treatments in a solid medium with low and high doses of the BA (Benzylaminopurine) growth regulator (0.5 mg L-1 and 2 mg L-1) on the number of sprouts per explant was assessed in a first phase. Since the best treatment was 2 mg L-1 of BA, three forms of propagation were considered: solid medium, liquid medium in a paper bridge, and liquid medium in a temporary immersion system. Results: From the initial test, an average of 6.6 shoots per explant were obtained with 2 mg L-1 of BA. Regarding the different systems, the solid medium, the paper bridge, and the temporary immersion system recorded 6.4, 7.2, and 14.4 shoots per explant, respectively. Findings/Conclusions: Mass sprout production is higher in the temporary immersion system, as a consequence of the use of a liquid medium that increases the absorption of nutrients and regulators, combined with the injection of air with oxygen that can accelerate cellular processes.