In vitro micropropagation of young papaya plants

Abstract

The seminiferous propagation of Carica papaya L. presents a mixture of genotypes with a strong influence on fruit production costs, quality and yield, prevailing due to the lack of efficient protocols for vegetative propagation. In this context, the tissue culture emerges as a promising alternative, because it can provide, to farmers, sex determination in seedlings, with a high quality standard and enough amounts to supply commercial demands in all seasons. This study aimed at developing an in vitro micropropagation protocol from young papaya material, in two experiments. In the first experiment, the explants were multiplied in vitro and the cytokinins BAP, 2iP and KIN were tested at the concentrations of 0.0 mg L^-1, 2.5 mg L^-1, 5.0 mg L^-1 and 10.0 mg L^-1, with the best results observed for 2iP, especially at the 2.5 mg L^-1 concentration. In the second one, the 2iP cytokinin was used at the concentrations of 0.0 mg L^-1, 1.0 mg L^-1, 2.0 mg L^-1 and 4.0 mg L^-1, with and without GA₃ (0.0 mg L^-1 and 1.0 mg L^-1), with beneficial effects of GA₃ observed in the multiplication process, especially when combined with 1.0 mg L^-1 of 2iP, with the best results for plants height, number of leaves and explants sprouting.