Descripción morfológica y selección de medios de cultivo para propagación masiva de Theobroma cacao

Abstract

Abstract: The use of biotechnological tools offers an alternative to the mass propagation of Theobroma cacao, obtaining good quality seedlings in lesser time lapse. This research, was developed in order to standardize a protocol for massive propagation by somatic embryogenesis, starting with selecting the culture medium that best allows the development and maintenance of the cultured explants. The working genotype was chosen using morphological descriptors, taking into account the main characteristics that differentiate the cultivated accessions of T. cacao in the country. The media used in this case were modified MS and DKW, at different concentrations combined with different growth regulators and as an additive 10% coconut water, the experimental design consisted of 240 experimental units, 10 for each treatment containing 15 explants. The results obtained showed that the disinfection protocol is acceptable and that the treatment consisting of 50% MS with AIA (1 mg L 1) y TDZ (5 μg L−1) was the best in the maintenance of the explants. However, no significant results were found regarding the induction of calluses.