Development of seedlings quality control in laboratories allied to biotechnology

• Grant number: 99/11514-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2000
• End date: May 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Monique Inês Segeren
• Grantee: Monique Inês Segeren
• Company: Pro-Clone Comércio de Mudas Matrizes - ME
• City: Holambra

Abstract

The objective of the project is the large scale production of healthy seedlings of plants from the Brazilian flora through tissue culture or micro propagation in vitro. In ornamental plant market segment, orchids are plants with great commercial value and with enormous export potential. Orchid seedlings can easily be obtained through micro propagation in vitro. Currently they are produced in small quantities by collectors, small producers and household growers. The proposal is to create an infrastructure for producing seedlings and a means of cultivation to feed a network of laboratories and producers. The intention is to install distinct processes for the production of micro propagating cuttings and to meet the needs of a network of cuttings producers, supplying them with the means of growing, cuttings, techniques for the implantation of these processes and quality control in situ, through nurseries and greenhouses specifically designed for each plant species. The developed work within an integrated network of allied laboratories will improve supply to the internal market and open the way for exporting. During this project a supervision system of the process of cloning of each culture will be developed, as well as the definition of commercial standards for each laboratory in the network. Improvement programs of Orchids and Zantedeschia (Calla) through hybridization and mutations will be carried out. (AU)