African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12496

Full Length Research Paper

Improved growth and quality of Dioscorea fordii Prain et Burk and Dioscorea alata plantlets using a temporary immersion system

Huabing Yan1*, Litao Yang2 and Yangrui Li1
1Cash Crops Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GXAAS), 530007, Nanning, Guangxi Province, People’s Republic of China. 2Agricultural College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, 530007, People’s Republic of China.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 11 November 2011
  •  Published: 21 December 2011

Abstract

The effects of temporary immersion system (TIS) culture on the growth and quality ofDioscorea fordii Prain et Burk and Dioscorea alata plantlets were investigated. Results indicate that TIS promoted the growth and quality of D. fordii and D. alata plantlets. Proliferation rate, shoot length, fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of shoots, and total biomass production were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in the TIS than in gelled and liquid medium, respectively. The TIS also promoted tuberization of D. fordii, and decreased vitrification of D. alata significantly. The healthy plantlets of D. fordii and D. alata obtained in the TIS would probably have positive effects on transplanting in large-scale commercial production.

 

Key words: Dioscorea fordii Prain et Burk, Dioscorea alata, culture system, TIS, micropropagation, tuberization.

Abbreviation

TIS, Temporary immersion system; SNCs, single node leafy cuttings;NTPs, mean number of tubers per plantlet.