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A methodology for recovering cassava plants from shoot tips maintained in liquid nitrogen
R H Escobar1, G Mafla1, W M Roca1
1Biotechnology Research Unit, Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), A. A. 6713, Cali, Colombia.
Plant Cell Reports
|February 8, 2019
Summary
Cryopreservation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) shoot tips using a six-step protocol achieved 50-70% plant recovery. This method preserves diverse cassava germplasm for future agricultural applications.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biotechnology
- Cryopreservation
- Horticultural Science
Background:
- Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a vital food security crop.
- Preserving diverse cassava germplasm is crucial for crop improvement and resilience.
- In vitro plant propagation offers a method for germplasm conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a cryopreservation protocol for cassava shoot tips.
- To assess the efficacy of cryopreservation across a wide range of cassava genotypes.
- To identify factors influencing successful cryopreservation and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Shoot tips from in vitro-grown cassava plantlets were pre-cultured for 3 days.
- Cryoprotection and dehydration were performed for 1 hour.
- A six-step freezing protocol involving liquid nitrogen immersion was employed.
- Rapid warming and sequential reculturing in three recovery media were utilized.
Main Results:
- Successful regeneration of cryopreserved cassava shoot tips was achieved within 2 weeks.
- A consistent plant recovery rate of 50-70% was obtained after protocol refinement.
- Specific genotypes exhibited lower regeneration responses, linked to pre- and post-freezing treatments.
Conclusions:
- The developed six-step cryopreservation protocol is effective for conserving cassava germplasm.
- Pre- and post-freezing steps significantly influence the success rate of cryopreservation.
- Optimized cryopreservation offers a viable strategy for long-term storage of valuable cassava genetic resources.
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