Propagation of the Colombian genotype of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) CNCh-12 by somatic embryogenesis

Cocoa production (Theobroma cacao L.) is essential globally and constitutes one of the leading export products for Colombia. Understanding the limitations faced by this crop in Latin American countries, it is required, among other aspects, to contribute to strengthening the first link in the production chain through efficient propagation methods and genetic improvement. Knowing that somatic embryogenesis is an alternative to conventional propagation and constitutes an obligatory step in a breeding platform, the objective of this work was to establish a somatic embryogenesis protocol until the plantlet acclimatization in the nursery for the regional genotype CNCh-12, a promising material with productivities higher than 2,000 kg/ha. Different protocols were evaluated, from callogenesis induction, through the expression of primary somatic embryos (PSE) followed by maturation and subsequent conversion to plantlet two types of explants (petal and staminode) and culture time (according to the stage). Additionally, the induction of secondary somatic embryos (SSE) was evaluated in two culture media (L and F). For CNCh-12, the petal was found as an appropriate explant, with a minimum time of 15 days in induction for PSE formation, without difference between the culture media F and L (22 average embryos). Embryo maturation was achieved in medium F after 30 days, followed by an additional 30 days for conversion to plantlet (52.83%). The concentration of salts to increase the conversion and development of the embryos was 1/5 of that used in F. The highest number of SSE was in the L medium. Finally, the ex-vitro adaptation was achieved when the plants were planted in 50:50 sand-coconut fiber and moistened weekly with Hoagland's solution (1:10). Keywords: Cacao, petals, in vitro propagation, plant growth regulators, somatic embryogenesis.

POTENCIAL DE REGENERACIÓN DE Psychotria ipecacuanha (Rubiaceae) A PARTIR DE CAPAS DELGADAS DE CÉLULAS

<p>Conociendo las propiedades medicinales de la especie vegetal <em>Psychotria</em> <em>ipecacuanha</em> (Brot.) Stokes, su crítico estado de conservación, así como las dificultades que presenta para la propagación efectiva, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar su potencial de propagación por los sistemas de regeneración <em>in vitro</em>, organogénesis y embriogénesis somática. Para este propósito, capas delgadas de células (CDCs) de tallos y de hojas, así como segmentos foliares fueron sometidos a diferentes tratamientos con reguladores de crecimiento y condiciones de luz. Además se estableció el efecto de diferentes longitudes de onda vía diodos emisores de luz (LEDs), sobre la regeneración en estos explantes y nudos provenientes de plantas <em>in vitro</em>. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que los segmentos de hoja y las CDCs de tallo sembrados en el medio de cultivo MS suplementado con las combinaciones de los reguladores de crecimiento IBA + BAP e IBA + TDZ formaron embriones somáticos y brotes. Los cortes histológicos realizados corroboraron estos dos tipos de origen. Se encontró que bajo la condición lumínica 16/8, se alcanzaron los mejores resultados de inducción de brotes y embriones. En cuanto al efecto de las diferentes longitudes de onda de luz, se encontró que las correspondientes al rojo, verde y blanca, favorecieron el crecimiento y desarrollo de brotes y la inducción de embriones somáticos. El desarrollo de los brotes a partir de los nudos no presentó diferencias estadísticas entre los tratamientos con LEDs, por lo que se recomienda el uso de la luz blanca continua y con fotoperiodo durante el proceso de multiplicación y desarrollo de estos.</p><p><strong>Regeneration Potential of <em>Psychotria Ipecacuanha</em> (Rubiaceae) from Thin Cell Layers </strong></p><p>Knowing the medicinal properties of the plant specie <em>Psychotria ipecacuanha</em> (Brot.) Stokes, its critical condition and the difficulties for its effective propagation, the present study aimed to assess the potential of propagation of <em>P. ipecacuanha</em> by <em>in vitro</em> systems of regeneration, organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. For this purpose, thin cell layers (TCL) of stems and leaves, as well as leaf segments were subjected to different treatments of plant growth regulators and light conditions. Furthermore, the effect of different wavelengths via light emitting diodes (LED’s), was established for the regeneration in these explants and nodal explants from <em>in vitro</em> plants. The results showed that leaf segments and stem TCL, cultured in MS medium supplemented with the combinations of growth regulators IBA + BAP and IBA + TDZ, formed somatic embryos and shoots. The histological sections supported the two types of source. It was found that the best results in shoot induction and embryos were achieved under the light condition 16/8-h light/dark. Regarding the effect of different wavelengths, it was found that those corresponding to red, green, and white supported the growth and shoot development as well as somatic embryos induction. The shoots development from the nodal explants did not show statistical differences between LEDs treatments, so the use of a continuous white light and photoperiod is recommended during their multiplication and development.</p>