Plant growth regulators optimization for maximize shoots number in Agave americana L. by indirect organogenesis

Abstract

Current protocols for Agave americana L. micropropagation have limited commercial application due to the low number of plants produced by explant. Indirect organogenesis could be an alternative, however is necessary to optimize plant growth regulators for plantlet number maximization. The objective of this work was to optimize 2,4-dicholorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyl adenine (BA) concentrations on the induction of A. americana embryogenic callus from apical meristem as explant for maximized the number of shoots per callus using a response surface experimental design. MS medium containing 30 g l-1 sucrose amended with 0.11,0.18, 0.45 or 2.26 ?M 2,4-D, and 11.0, 22.0, 38.2 or 44.0 ?M BA was used. Nine treatments with three repetitions was applied and number of shoots per callus were monitored after 4, 16, 20 and 36 weeks. In vitro rooting of shoot was done in MS medium added with indole butyric acid (IBA). A maximum number of plantlets per explant (74) was obtained with 2.26 ?M of 2,4-D and 38.2 ?M BA. In conclusion, the indirect organogenesis of A. americana L. could be an alternative for obtain plantlets for propagation commercial purposes.