Morpho-physiological differences in malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) seedlings obtained in a temporary immersion system

Abstract

The world consumption of malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) has boomed because it is a nutritious and highly digestible food source. The temporary immersion systems (TIS), allow the automation of the in vitro multiplication stage, reducing production costs and allowing both the morphology and physiological behavior of the cultures to be like those presented by plants in ex vitro conditions. In order to determine the influence of the variables frequency and immersion time on the growth of X. sagittifolium in temporary immersion systems (TIS), a 2³ factorial experiment was designed, 2 immersion frequencies (12 and 24 h), 2 immersion times (15 and 20 min) and 2 volumes of MS culture medium (25 and 50 mL). Morphological variables on seedling growth were evaluated. Although significant differences were obtained in leaf number, fresh weight (mg) at 21 days, root fresh weight (mg), dry weight (mg) and root number, it is considered that both volumes of MS culture medium evaluated here (25 and 50 mL) are an adequate because they allow reducing the frequency of immersion and modifying the immersion time.