Enhancing the Protocol for Efficient Sugarcane (Saccharumofficinarum) Micropropagation using the BioMINT Temporary Immersion System in the Variety B79-474

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a cultivated crop in Belize which is used as food source and helps generate income especially for rural areas. The variety B79-474 is the most dominant due to its robustness. In this study, the BioMINT temporary immersion system (TIS) was used to enhance the protocol for efficient sugarcane micropropagation. Sugarcane plants were micropropagated using the BioMINT TIS to determine the appropriate subculture interval for the variety B79-474. The subculture intervals studied were 30, 45 and 60 days. After the time interval, parameters such as average plant height, survival rate, dry weight and multiplication coefficient were used to determine the appropriate subculture interval. The best results from the subculture intervals proved to be 45 days based on the parameters evaluated. Different volumes of culture media were also tested. These included 300 mL, 400 mL and 500 mL. In the parameters evaluated and most crucial in the multiplication phase, the best result proved to be that with 400 mL of culture med ia in each BioMINT unit.