Search

Plants of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex Wendl are a viable option to generate environmental, social and economic benefits. However, there are problems in the propagation via organogenesis of this species such as the low in vitro multiplication coefficient, which limits its propagation. The research was aimed to determine the effect of 6-benzylaminopurine and the immersion time on the multiplication, morphophysiology and biochemistry of B. vulgaris shoots in temporary immersion systems. Morphophysiological and biochemical variables were evaluated in shoots grown at different BAP concentrations (0; 6.6; 13.2 and 26.4) at immersion times of one, two or three minutes, for 30 days of cultivation. In those systems, the lower concentration of BAP (6.6 µM) and immersion time of two minutes favored the emission of new shoots. It was associated with an increase in the content of total chlorophylls, lignin and total phenols in shoots. Based on these results, a protocol was established for the propagation via organogenesis of B. vulgaris plants in Temporary Immersion Systems, with a high emission of new shoots in vitro, which can be applied to other bamboo species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a crop of great economic importance that has been propagated by tissue culture through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. The present research had as objective to determine the phenotypic variability in the field of sugar cane cv. 'C87-51' plants obtained by somatic embryogenesis in liquid culture media. Plants regenerated from somatic embryos were planted in the field next to plants propagated via organogenesis and from cuttings that were used as control. The evaluations were carried out seven months after planting in cane plant and first shoot and the variables evaluated were stem height, stem diameter, number of stems per seedlings, number of active leaves per stem and Brix. Besides, morphological characteristics were described. Plants out of type were not found in the evaluated populations. The results demonstrated that the plant regeneration pathway significantly influences the development of plants under field conditions. The propagation of sugarcane plants cv. 'C87-51' by somatic embryogenesis in liquid culture medium only induces phenotypic changes in field associated with in vitro rejuvenation similar to those previously reported for plants obtained by organogenesis. Therefore, it can be used as a method of mass propagation of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetative propagation of Gigantochloa atter (Hassk.) Kurz. It is difficult due to their handling, transportation and poor root development. The tissue culture techniques allow increasing the number of these plants in a short period of time. In order to determine the effect of indole acetic acid (IAA) three concentrations (15, 20 and 25 mg l-1) on in vitro rooting were tested and a control without growth regulator it was included. After 20 days of culture the number of plants with roots was quantified, the plant height (cm) and root length (cm) was measured. The plants were transferred to acclimatization phase and after 20 days of culture survival was determined. The results showed that the IAA influenced the in vitro rooting of G. atter. By adding to the culture medium IAA (20.0 mg l-1) the highest percentages of rooting (96.0%) and ex vitro (60%) were obtained survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to achieve the morphological and anatomical characterization of in vitro plants of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. exWendl during acclimatization. The morphological development of the leaf and root in plants acclimatized with 0 and 90 days after planting, as well as field plants with more than 15 years of planting were considered. Results showed important differences between the structures of the leaf in the evaluated periods. Both presented adaxial and abaxial monostratified epidermis, with presence of trichomes, stomata, micro-hairs in the intercostal area. The abaxial surface showed silica and papilla cells. In the analysis of the cross section of leaf blade B. vulgaris were observed bulliform and fusoid cells, confirming the presence of the xylem, phloem, epidermis, cuticle, vascular bundles, the chlorenchyma showing differences among the development stages. The longitudinal cut to the root-stem junction demonstrated a further development in plants acclimatized for 90 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris has several uses. The biotechnological propagation can be an alternative to reach the demand of planting material. This investigation was aimed to determine the influence of substrate type on the acclimatization of in vitro plants. Two main components (worm humus (HL) and zeolite (Z)) were used to produce the substrate. These were combined (HL 70% and 30% Z, HL 60% and 40% Z, HL 50% and Z 50%, HL 80% and 20% Z). Worm compost and zeolite substrate was used as control. In vitro plants from rooting phase were acclimatized for 90 days. The number of roots per plant was assessed every 10 days (root length, number of shoots per plant, plant height and leave number). Survival was determined after 30 days of planting. Plant fresh and dry mass (g) were determined, subsequently, after 90 days of culture. Results demonstrated that the type of substrate influenced on the acclimatization of plants of B. vulgaris in greenhouse. The highest survival (%) ,number and length of roots as well as number of shoots per plant, fresh and dry mass of roots and cauline area, were achieved when the zeolite and worm humus were combined and by increasing the proportion of this last product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acclimatization is a phase of in vitro plants propagation which influences the efficiency of plant regeneration protocols. It is necessary to define the characteristics of a quality plant material to improve acclimatization of Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris plants cultured in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the characteristics of B. vulgaris var. vulgaris in vitro plants in the acclimatization phase. Then, the influence of the growth development of in vitro plants was considered for their survival during acclimatization. Height and the number of buds and roots per plant were measured after 30 days of planting. Among all the variables, plants height influenced their acclimatization in the greenhouse. Survival rate was significantly different between treatments with plants smaller than 3.0 cm and treatments with plants higher than 3.0 cm. Similar response was obtained after 30 days in the quantification of the number of roots and buds emitted per plant, regardless the presence of roots when planting. Taking into account the results we conclude that the height of the B. vulgaris in vitro plants was the morphological characteristic with major influence in the survival and development of plants during the acclimatization phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bambusa represents one of the largest renewable natural resources. Due to its excellent physical and mechanical properties, resistance to insect attacks, beauty and diversity of applications it is a valuable economic alternative that has helped to mitigate the social problems of the countryside in Cuba. Traditional bamboo propagation is affected by long intervals of flowering, the limited stock of plant material, the low percentages of rooting and the limited existence of propagules. These elements are handicaps for mass propagation of bamboos. For these reasons, tissue culture techniques are fast and reliable for the propagation of bamboo through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. However, there is still a gap in the various constraints affecting in vitro propagation of bamboos such as microbial contamination in the establishment phase, low multiplication rates and rooting, as well as low rates of ex vitro survival. The aim of this study was to state generally the main scientific observations on the use of tissue culture techniques for in vitro propagation of several bamboo species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris Schrad. ex Wendl. is a bamboo species of great economic importance. Developing protocols for propagation via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis would be an efficient alternative to propagate this species since it adapts well to the soil and climatic conditions of Cuba. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of different concentrations of 6-BAP (1.0, 3.0 and 6.0 mg·l-1) and NAA (0, 0.5, 1.0 mg·l-1) on B. vulgaris in vitro multiplication. Number of shoots and leaves per explant were quantified. Also, height of plants was measured on the twentieth day of culture. Multiplication of Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris in liquid culture medium with BAP was achieved. Combination of BAP and NAA in the culture medium was not effective for this purpose. The result solves one of the main limitations to use biotechnology techniques on this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vitro propagation of Dendrocalamus strictus (Rosb.) Nees is necessary. This type of plant is very important for the manufacture of furniture, construction of fences and buildings, for the paper industry, manufacturing of agricultural and musical instruments, elaboration of drugs, to provide their leaves as fodder for livestock, and reforestation. The development of protocols for regeneration via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis is an efficient alternative to propagate this species. Cuba conditions are suited for this purpose. The effect of different concentrations of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) (1.0, 2.0, 4.0 mg·l-1) and kinetin (0.5, 1.0 mg·l-1) was determined in order to form calluses in vitro from seeds of D. strictus. Results showed that in vitro callus formation from seeds of Dendrocalamus strictus (Rosb.) Nees treatment was achieved using 2,4-D and kinetin at a concentration of 1.0 mg·l-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropropagation is a viable alternative for bamboo propagation due to the potentialities this type of plant has for building, handicrafts confection and soil protection. The technique is an efficient alternative to plant propagation with a high genetic value and quality. The current research was developed focused on the in vitro establishing of axillary buds of Bambusa vulgaris var. Vittata. Three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0%) and three different times (10, 15, 20 minutes) were used for disinfection of axillary buds. The highest rates of established buds were achieved using sodium hypochlorite to 2.0% during 20 minutes for disinfection. Between 86% and 100% buds sprouted, and a 93.7% of explants free of visible microbial contaminants were obtained from axillary buds introduced to in vitro conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of D. strictus seeds is affected by the length and erratic flowering cycle of the species. These seeds also retain their germination only for short periods of time. The tissue culture offers a fast and reliable way for the propagation using in vitro seed germinated as initial plant material. This research was conducted with the objective of to germinate in vitro D. strictus seeds. The effect of different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) (3.0, 5.0 and 7.0%) and time for seed disinfection (20 and 30 min) were determined. It was evaluated the number of germinated seeds and free of microbial contaminants after 10 days of culture. The results showed that the method of disinfection which sodium hypochlorite 3.0% for 30 minutes was the best for in vitro germination of Dendrocalamus strictus (Rosb.) Nees seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The somatic embryogenesis propagation technique and tool for the genetic improvement in sugar cane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) has presented multiple inconveniences that the regeneration protocols described in the literature have not been able to solve. The present research was carried out with the objective of developing a new methodology for the establishment of cell suspensions of sugar cane, var. C 87-51, through somatic embryogenesis based on segments of the sheath of the leaves of in vitro plants, placed directly in a liquid culture medium. The results demonstrated that it is possible to form callus with embryogenic structures based on segment two of the sheath of the leaves which reduces the time of culture in vitro and guarantees the physiologic and phytosanitary quality of the plants that are regenerated. Homogeneous lines of cellular suspensions formed by embryogenic aggregates were established based on callus with embryogenic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboos are unique in bringing together a wide range of environmental services. The present work was conducted to determine the effect of immersion frequency of shoot multiplication of B. vulgaris grown in SIT. Three Immersion frequencies (every 4, 6 and 12 hours) were studied. The plant height was measured and the number of shoots per explant and the number of expanded leaves per explant were quantified. Furthermore, the water content was determined in the explants. It was found that the immersion frequency influenced the in vitro multiplication of B. vulgaris. The results showed that the number of shoots (6.5 shoots/explant) and the number of leaves per explant (11.0 leaves / explant) were higher with immersion every six hours. The lowest values for all variables were found in explants cultured with immersion every 12 h. In this treatment water content in the explants was higher. The results indicated that with the management of the immersion frequency it can encourage the multiplication of B. vulgaris in SIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex Wendl is a species of great environmental importance and plays a vital role in the economic development of Cuba. The present work was carried out with objective of determining effect of inoculum density on morphology and physiology of the shoots of B. vulgaris cultivated in SIT. Morphological and physiological parameters of cultivated plants were evaluated at different inoculum densities (6, 12 and 18 explants per SIT) for 30 days. The results showed that densities studied had an effect on growth and physiology of shoots during in vitro multiplication. Studies revealed that number of shoots, shoot length, leaf numbers and chlorophyll increased with inoculum density of 12 explants. However, experiment showed that increase in inoculum density decreased accumulation of total chlorophyll, dry mass content of the shoots and water content. These results showed a better morpho-physiological response of shoots cultivated with 12 explants. This study provides an initial understanding of response of B. vulgaris shoots to cultivation of in vitro conditions, which is important for increasing production of bamboo plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into account the need to produce potato seed (Solanum tuberosum L.) with low inputs, this work was carried out with the aim of to determine the effect of the Versaklin® bioproduct on Early Blight (Alternaria solani Sorauer) in the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. 'Romano' seed. Minitubers obtained as basic seed were used. A field experiment was designed with three treatments: application of Versaklin®, chemical products and control without application of products. The incidence and intensity of the disease were determined, the area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) was calculated and the technical effectiveness of the culture was estimated with Versaklin® or chemical products. In addition, the number of tubers per plant was quantified, the fresh and dry mass of the tubers were determined and it were classified by their diameter (caliber). Treatment with Versaklin® reduced incidence (30%) and disease severity (23.0%). The AUDPC was found in a value between control and chemical treatment. The superiority of the chemical treatment was verified by its technical efficiency and the potential of Versaklin® use because it reached a value that represents 60% of chemical treatment but with only one product. The number of tubers per plant had no significant differences among treatments. The highest proportion of tubers of caliber to be used as seed (35-45 mm) occurred in the treatment with Versaklin®. The results indicated that Versaklin® bioproduct could be part of disease management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba value chains constitute a new work philosophy in the farming sector, because with them a horizontal integration among entities that are associated with the same purpose is intended to be achieved. The objective of this research was to describe the methodological procedure for the design of value chains of farming products at local scale, obtained in 30 selected farms in Matanzas and Villa Clara, which are inserted in the international project Co-innovation. The techniques of experts and multidisciplinary groups were applied, the analysis of performance and of the critical factors was carried out, and the process maps were used. Questionnaires were also designed interviewing the different actors; and for the conformation of maps of specific value chains per farming product and for each farmer, and group dynamics techniques were applied. The main result was the description of the stages and steps for the design of value chains. It is concluded that the methodological procedure proposed for the design of value chains of farming products at local scale is distinguished by definition of a general model of value chain, which allows to define the generic maps of value chains per product and from them the specific ones for the context of each farm, taking into consideration the presence of actors with multiple functions, management models and ownership. All these differentiate it from the existing experiences in the country and constitute a referent to be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TIS provides solutions to the constraints that affecting in vitro propagation of bamboos and increases the quality of the plants in vitro propagated and survival of these in greenhouse conditions and field. This study aimed to determine the effect of immersion time on the multiplication of B. vulgaris shoot grown in TIS (RITA). Morphological, physiological and biochemical variables such as the number of shoots per plant, length of shoots, number of leaves per shoot, water contents, and lignin phenols were analyzed. It was demonstrated that the immersion time influenced the in vitro multiplication of B. vulgaris. The explants treated with the immersion time of a minute developed a greater number of shoots (5). These shoots showed dark green coloration, 92.1% water and 13% lignin. However, the increase of immersion time to three minutes caused increase in the water content of shoots and decreased lignin content, which affected their morphological response and multiplication in the TIS (RITA). Analysis of morphological, physiological and biochemical variables, allowed defining one minute is the optimum immersion time for shoot multiplication of B. vulgar is in temporary immersion systems (RITA). The method of in vitro propagation of B. vulgar is described offers the advantage of using liquid culture media and automated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboos have a great economic importance due to their applications and their impact on the environment, mainly in protecting soil and watersheds. However, microbial communities associated with plantations of bamboo species grown in Cuba have not been characterized. This could help to validate its favourable environmental impact. Then, this paper aims to quantify, characterize and identify bacteria and filamentous fungi from soil in plantations of different species of bamboo. Plants, with more than 60 years of establishment from the bamboo collection in Cienfuegos Botanical Garden and young plantations of some of this species were sampled. In addition, soil samples of other plant species and uncultivated soil were included to compare the results. Microbiological analyses were circumscribed to cultivable microorganisms. It was found that the concentration of filamentous fungi was between 104 and 105 cfu/g and the bacteria concentration was between 106 and 107cfu /g, orders similar to those of other plant species sampled. We identified a total of 13 fungi genera and three bacterial families that show the diversity of soil microorganisms associated with different species of bamboo grown in Cuba. It is also the basis for further studies on its environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboos are important crops based on their potential for environmental services, carbon dioxide sequestration and timber production in a short period of time. In this study, eight variables associated with the productivity of Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris were evaluated and an estimate of the carbon dioxide sequestered was calculated. The total number of culms per plant was 16.53; the length of the culms was 12.35 m. The outer diameter of the culm in the basal, middle and distal was of 7.10 cm, 6.48 cm and 3.05 cm, while the inner diameter of the culm was 4.16 cm, 5.12 cm and 1.95 cm respectively. Fresh mass in the basal, middle and distal was 1.15 kg, 0.59 kg and 0.18 kg, while the dry mass was 0.63 kg, 0.33 kg and 0.11 kg. The net volume of the section of the culm basal, middle and distal was 0.12 m³, 0.056 m³, 0.045 m³, while the apparent volume of the culm was 0.29 m³, 0.27 m³, 0.13 m³. The carbon sequestered estimate per culm was 3.25 kg per culm and 53.68 kg per rally. These variables can be used for more accurate measures of productivity growth and Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris under field conditions, as well as for estimating environmental contributions by estimating the CO2 sequestration of this species in Cuban agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of fungal contaminants may limit the establishment of bamboo explants. Knowing the contaminant microorganisms present in donor plants allow to trace more appropriate control strategies. This work was aimed at identifying the mycobiota of donor plants of bamboo species and to identify the filamentous fungi in the establishment stage to control them. The method of the humid camera was used to determine and to identify the filamentous fungus. Then, direct preparations of growth fungus for the optic microscope were carried out. It was observed that the donor plants of bamboos had a mycobiota composed of diverse genera of filamentous fungi: Alternaria, Botryotrichum, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium y Nigrospora. The genera Asteromella, Bipolaris and Humicola were identified in the establishment stage, while Alternaria, Botryotrichum, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium and Nigrospora appeared in donor plants and in the establishment. In species Dendrocalamus asper, Dendrocalamus strictus, Guadua angustifolia and Gigantochloa atter, the genus Nigrospora showed the highest frequency of appearance, while in Bambusa vulgaris the filamentous fungus with highest frequency was Fusarium. A phytosanitary defense plan for donor plants was developed. It included systemic and contact fungicides which spectrum of activity covered the identified fungi genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to report, for first time, the presence of Ochrobactrum anthropi as contaminant of in vitro cell and tissue culture of sugarcane. Bacteria contaminant of in vitro plants were isolated directly from visibly contaminated plant culture on Tryptone soy agar medium and some drops of sugarcane cell suspension contaminated were inoculated on tubes with 3ml of Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB). Isolated bacteria were examined microscopically (shape, motility) and some biochemical test (Gram's stain (Hucker's modification), oxidase, catalase, O/F (oxidation/fermentation), were performed. Additional tests, according to Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, were performed. Identification was complemented by fatty acid analysis. Different bacteria can be contaminating plant cell and tissue culture. However, references about the presence of Ochrobactrum anthropi as contaminant of in vitro culture of plant cell and tissue have not been reached. to control microbial contaminants, it is necessary to identify them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison of two methods for the establishment of embryogenic cell suspensions obtained from the culture of male flower directly in liquid culture medium and embryogenic callus of banana cv. 'Grande naine' (Musa AAA) was studied in this work. Establishment of homogeneous embriogenic cell suspensions from the culture of both explants in liquid medium was achieved though floral bud range eight showed the best results. Differences in the growing of cell suspension, somatic embryos formation and germination was not observed when the suspensions were compared. Nevertheless the methodology proposed in this work was faster than the 'callus' methodology and percentage of establishment was higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient protocols of Guadua angustifolia Kunth micropropagation are not reported due to two principal problems for establishing it: explants necrosis and microbial contamination. In this work a high frequent bacterial contaminant in the in vitro establishment of Guadua was isolated and identified . Besides, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Gentamicin sulphate was determined by two methods: dillution and diffusion in Agar methods. Bacterial contaminant isolated was identified as belonging to Bacillus genus. Sensitivity of Bacillus sp. to Gentamicin sulphate was proved and the value of MIC (1μgml-1) was obtained using both methods. The use of this antibiotic will be an alternative for the solution of in vitro bacterial contamination problems in Guadua angustifolia tissue culture once no existance of phytotoxicity is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation had as objective to obtain plants of plantain hybrid cultivar 'FHIA-21' (Musa AAAB) from embryogenic cell lines. For this study cell lines of callus were established with embryogenic structures formed of immature male flowers. The results showed differences among the lines during the phase of multiplication of the embryogenic cell suspension. The same ones were showed in the cellular growth. The vitality of the embryogenic cluster cells oscillated between 99.7 and 100% without statistic differences among the studied lines. The influence of the cell line was observed in the germination of the somatic embryos, the cell line number two presented the biggest number of germinated embryos. When concluding the experiments a total of 8 230 plants of the studied cell lines were obtained. These cell lines adapted to ex vitro conditions at greenhouse with high percentages of survival and some phenotypic changes were observed in less than 1.0% of the total of plants. The necessity of keeping in mind the factor cell line for the obtaining of plants of cultivar hybrid 'FHIA 21' by somatic embryogenesis was proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]