Secondary Embryogenesis of Linaloe in Temporary Immersion Bioreactor-Type RITA^®

The linaloe [Bursera linanoe (La Llave) Rzed, Calderon and Medina] is an endemic species of Mexico, representative of the low deciduous forest of the states of Guerrero, Puebla, Morelos, and Oaxaca, and has been of great economic importance for the people, mainly for the artisanal use of its aromatic wood that is used to make boxes, trunks, and furniture that are manufactured in Olinala, Guerrero, Mexico; and industrial, thanks to the fine aroma of its essential oil (linalool), which is used in the manufacture of perfumes and pharmaceuticals. Overexploitation has endangered the species in recent years, and propagation by seed and/or cuttings has produced very poor results compared to those obtained with other recalcitrant Bursera species. The protection of endangered species makes urgent the need to propose new alternatives for its propagation. Somatic embryogenesis is a reliable and feasible technique, including induction, maintenance, multiplication, and maturation of embryos, often in semisolid culture media; however, the recent use of liquid media has allowed semi-automation in temporary immersion bioreactors, for example, the RITA^® system, which favors both the multiplication rate and the final conversion to seedlings.