Lengthening, rooting and acclimatization of in vitro propagated plants of the MSXJ hybrid of papaya (Carica papaya)

Abstract

Mexico is the third most important producer of papaya in the world. MSXJ is a hybrid of papaya that tolerates high temperatures and has a low frequency of carpellody. In addition, it is a very productive cultivar with yields of 100 to 125 t ha-1, which makes it attractive for export marketing. The extension and rooting in vitro and the acclimatization are important to obtain the seedlings. In this research, different concentrations of salts added to the medium (Murashigue & Skoog; MS) as well as the effect of sucrose and different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) in the lengthening and in the rooting, respectively were evaluated. Acclimatization of the MSXJ hybrid of papaya propagated in vitro was also determined. It was showed that addition of salts (50%) to MS and 10 gL-1 sucrose had the highest elongation rate and IBA improved the development of the root in the MSXJ hybrid of papaya. Peat moss and agrolite (80:20) allowed the acclimatization of the seedlings.