Sibov 2015 (Conference Paper) Bromelia, Aechmea

In vitro conservation of Bromelia reversacantha Mez and Aechmea tocantina Baker (Bromeliaceae) under minimal growth

Author(s):—Sérgio Tadeu Sibov & Maurízia de Fátima Carneiro in Benko-Iseppon, A.M.; Alves, M. & Louzada, R. (2015) An overview and abstracts of the First World Congress on Bromeliaceae Evolution. Rodriguésia 66(2): A1-A66.

Publication:— (2015).

Abstract:—Many species of native Cerrado bromeliads have strong aesthetic appeal. These characteristics make them of great interest to landscapers, decorators and collectors. However, these species are endangered by continuous change and habitat destruction by human actions. Among the species of bromeliads with ornamental potential, Bromelia reversacantha Mez stands out, a terrestrial species that lives on sandy soils and dry conditions and partial shade. Another one is Aechmea tocantina Baker, an epiphytic bromeliad found in the Cerradão phytophysiognomy type. One way to ensure the germplasm preservation of these species would be in vitro conservation. This study aimed at establishing the best conditions for the in vitro conservation by minimal growth of these two species of bromeliads. To evaluate the sucrose and mannitol effect, in vitro germinatedplants of both species were subjected to two experiments. For both species, the control treatment was MS medium with half strength of macronutrients: ½MS. Experiment 1: ½MS medium supplemented with differentconcentrations of sucrose (15, 30, 45 and 60 g.L-1). Experiment 2: ½MS medium supplemented with differentconcentrations of mannitol (5, 10, 15 and 20 g.L-1). The experiments were evaluated for six months and the development of plant growth was assessed after treatments. For the two species tested, the action of mannitol is more effective in inducing minimal growth compared to sucrose. The senescence of leaves after six months of treatment is also lower for both species in treatments with mannitol. For both species, the most suitable treatment for in vitro conservation would MS medium with half strength of macronutrients supplemented with 10, 15 or 20 g.L-1 mannitol at a temperature of 25°C.

Keywords:—Bromeliads; Mannitol; Sucrose.