In vitro culture and post-seminal development of Bromeliaceae with ornamental potential

Author(s)

Talitha Joana Kievitsbosch

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA/STB)
• Defense date: 2011-08-30

Examining board members

Adriana Pinheiro Martinelli; Sandra Maria Carmello Guerreiro; Fernanda Vidigal Duarte Souza

• Advisor: Adriana Pinheiro Martinelli

Abstract

Bromeliads are valued for their ornamental characteristics and the genus Vriesea is representative in this sector. The improvement of in vitro propagation of these plants is highly necessary in order to meet market needs, and, at the same time, to prevent illegal extraction of this plants from their natural habitat. In this context, this study aimed to improve the protocol for in vitro propagation of species of Vriesea and increase the global knowledge of these by morpho-anatomical characterization of the development of the seedling and leaf. Seeds of V. carinata, V. friburgensis, V.paraiba and V. simplex were submitted to aseptic procedures and introduced in vitro under three temperatures: 22 ° C, 27 ° C and 32 ° C. Additionaly, seeds of these species were sown in trays and maintained in a greenhouse. The post-seminal development was described by light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the adjustment of the culture medium for these four species and V. hieroglyphica was tested, by testing three doses of nitrogen combined with three doses of magnesium. The acclimatization efficiency of these Vriesea species, except for V. hieroglyphica, after a prior culture in the presence and absence of IBA was done, in three commercial substrates to verify IBA effect in rooting and seedling survival. This study also aimed to compare anatomical and morphological characteristics of leaves of the species cultivated in vitro and in the greenhouse. Finally, in order to establish a micropropagation protocol for the species Vriesea carinata, V. paraiba, V. phillipo-coburgii; V. simplex and Aechmea nudicaulis, somatic explants were introduced in vitro after sterilization tests. From all the experiments cited it was observed that the temperature strongly influences germination and mortality rates of Vriesea germinating seeds in vitro. The temperature of 32 ° C provided the highest mortality rates, being harmful to the reproductive success of this species. The germination in the greenhouse showed higher mortality and lower germination rates than in vitro germination. The morpho-anatomical description of the post-seminal development allowed for the characterization of five stages of development. With regard to the mineral nutrition experiment, the doses of nitrogen and magnesium tested resulted in less accumulation of calcium and potassium in plants, resulting in less accumulation of fresh weight. The acclimatization experiment was lost by the attack of Fungus gnats. With the morpho-anatomical analysis of leaves of plants grown in vitro and in the greenhouse it was possible to observe the presence of typical structures of Bromeliaceae such as stomata, scales, mesophyll with uniseriate epidermis, water storage tissue, collateral vascular bundles and air channels. Finally, the use of cefotaxime proved efficient against bacterial contamination in in vitro establishment of shoot apex explants in vitro. The choice of shoot apices from lateral buds as initial explants for in vitro establishment of those species was a good alternative. Optimization of in vitro propagation of bromeliad species can reduce their extractivism pressure and, at the same time, supply the ornamental plant market (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/07665-0 - Micropropagation and characterization of three Vriesea species and their potential interspecific hybrids
• Grantee: Talitha Joana Kievitsbosch
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master