Protocol optimization for in vitro sugarcane establishment from stem cuttings shoot tips

Abstract

An optimized protocol for sugarcane (variety RB92579) in vitro establishment was developed by using stem cuttings shoot tip. The study revealed that success on aseptically inoculated shoot tips of sugarcane can be influenced by the appropriate plant growth and development stage. Sugarcane plants with 8-11 months old were used as a source of stem cuttings. The shoots collections from the stem cuttings were made at three different ages, 103 days (S1), 115 days (S2) and 145 days (S3) after planting in the greenhouse. After explant inoculation on MS medium, all explants were evaluated with 15 days of in vitro culture. The analysis of in vitro explant development showed that the S3 explants (145 days of age) were superior to the S1 and S2 explants (103 and 110 days respectively). The best in vitro explant viability was observed in S3 explants (47%), compared with 4% and 17% observed in S1 and S2 explants respectively. The in vitro explant discard, by microorganism contamination, were highest on S1 explants (76%) than in S2 (17.4) and S3 (29%) explants. These results indicate that the shoot tips age of development can influence the success on in vitro sugarcane establishment.