In vitro culture in RITA bioreactors stimulates the physiological and biochemical development of the Persian lime

Abstract

The Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia) is of great importance because its international trade has grown in recent years and the cultivated area is increasing, generating greater demand for healthy and genetically pure plants. The Persian lime produces seedless fruit. The absence of seeds limits the sexual reproduction of this crop; asexual propagation, such as in vitro tissue culture, offers an excellent reproductive alternative. In vitro culture using temporary immersion systems with RITA® bioreactors promotes the multiplication of plants with phytosanitary quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of RITA® bioreactors, semi-solid medium, and partial immersion on the in vitro culture of Persian lime, determining its morphological development, chlorophyll a, b, and total concentrations, phytohormones IBA, BAP, and KIN, and nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and B in plant tissue. In RITA® Bioreactors, the highest number of shoots, the highest concentration of BAP and KIN, macronutrients N, P and K and micronutrients Fe, Mn and B were generated; the in vitro propagation of Persian lime in RITA® bioreactors is highly efficient.