One-step acclimatization of plantlets using a mist reactor

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Horticultural Science
• In Vitro Culture

Background:

• Ex vitro acclimatization is a critical but challenging step in micropropagation.
• Conventional methods often result in low survival rates and poor plant quality.
• Optimizing in vitro conditions can enhance plantlet development and acclimatization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a mist reactor system for in vitro acclimatization of carnation plants.
• To compare the efficacy of the mist reactor with conventional vented and unvented boxes.
• To assess the impact of the protocol on plant survival, rooting, hyperhydration, and quality.

Main Methods:

• Carnation plants were grown and acclimatized in vitro using a mist reactor.
• The protocol involved manipulating mist-on periods and stepwise relative humidity reduction (98% to 70%).
• Plants were subsequently grown in a greenhouse for 5 weeks, and survival rates were recorded.

Main Results:

• Mist reactor-grown plants achieved 91% ex vitro survival, outperforming vented (81%) and unvented (50%) boxes.
• Ex vitro survival correlated positively with in vitro rooting and negatively with hyperhydration.
• Plant quality and yield from mist reactors were comparable or superior to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• The mist reactor provides an effective alternative to ex vitro acclimatization for carnation propagation.
• Manipulating misting and humidity in vitro significantly improves plantlet survival and quality.
• This method offers a promising approach for producing high-quality, acclimatized plantlets efficiently.