Micropropagation of iraca palm (Carludovica palmata Ruiz y Pav) using a temporary immersion system

Abstract

Carludovica palmata is a Neotropical plant with a promising potential for the agroindustry. It is an important source of fibers used to manufacture handmade goods. Colombia is one of the leading countries in the production of this species; however, it lacks efficient techniques for its propagation. We developed a protocol for massive micropropagation of C. palmata using a temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) system. Immersion frequency, immersion time, culture medium volume, and explant density were evaluated using a split-split-plot design. The variables evaluated were the number and length of shoots and roots, the number of leaves, and the dry weight of shoots. The performance of three micropropagation systems, TIB, semi-solid medium, and liquid medium, was evaluated using a generalized randomized block design. Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium with 1.0 mg L−1 of 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.5 mg L−1 of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, and 20 g L−1 of sucrose added to it was used. The results obtained show a frequency of 12 h with an immersion time of 1 min improved the length of shoots, roots, and number of leaves, and dry weight. A volume of 20 mL/explant was found to be an adequate condition to increase the number and length of shoots, the number of leaves, and the dry weight. According to the optimization module, the factor levels that will maximize the evaluated variables are a 1-minute immersion of the tissues in the culture medium with a frequency of 12 hours each time, with 175 mL of culture medium per bioreactor and density of 10 explants. In conclusion, TIB was shown to be efficient for massive micropropagation of C. palmata compared with conventional methods.