Micropropagation of Agapanthus umbellatus var. minor by using two systems of multiplication

Abstract

For conventional micropropagation methods, semisolidified medium (SM) is used; the use of this medium requires intense manipulation of the cultures and skilled labor. Systems that use liquid medium show equal or better efficiency of the multiplication process, besides reducing the cost for the elimination of agar. In this study, we evaluated the mass propagation of Agapanthus umbellatus var. minor two in vitro multiplication systems (SM system and temporary immersion system [SIT]). The plant material was grown in MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA; 0.0, 8.9, 17.8, and 35.6 μM). The data obtained in this study demonstrate that the two systems used were efficient for the multiplication phase of this species. However, we recommend SIT in view of its reuse in the process of multiplication and rooting. Moreover, simple construction, low cost of the culture medium, and low cost of the bioreactors and the fact that agar is not required qualify this system as an efficient alternative for large-scale micropropagation of Agapanthus umbellatus var. minor. We recommend 17.8 μM 6-BA for the SM system and 8.9 μM 6-BA for SIT.