ALTERNATIVE INPUTS FOR MICROPROPAGATION OF Solanum tuberosum, Ullucus tuberosus AND Oxalis tuberosa IN SEMISOLID AND LIQUID MEDIUM AND TEMPORARY IMMERSION SYSTEM

Abstract

Background. Micropropagation allows high rates of clonal multiplication of plants in short periods of time. However, despite being a simple technique, its implementation can be costly for regions and producers with limited resources. One of the main limiting factors is the lack of access to the inputs (QP) for the basic media that is widely published and disseminated in the literature. Other limiting factors include high costs, logistical difficulties and timely access to such inputs. Objective. In order to address these problems, the present work proposes the use of alternative inputs in the composition of the culture media for micropropagation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Caldas), and oca (Oxalis tuberosa Molina) in semi-solid and liquid media, as well as in temporary immersion systems (SIT). Methodology. All the macro and micronutrients of the basic media were replaced with inputs available at low cost in any local market. Results. The best results for micropropagation rate, plant vigor and rooting were obtained in the medium with substituted and accesible inputs (EP medium). These results were validated for micropropagation by nodal cutting in liquid and semi-solid médium and SIT. Implications. The basic medium (EP), formulated herein may be used by any laboratory and resource-poor farmers to apply micropropagation and improve revenues. Conclusion.The production cost of the EP medium, with easily accessible inputs in low-cost local markets, is significantly cheaper than MS medium used as a control, without differences in micropropagation.