In Vitro Conservation of Agave potatorum Zucc and Agave marmorata Roezl

In Mexico, mezcal agaves, especially wild ones, are overexploited, and there is a lack of conservation efforts. Furthermore, plantations of various agaves are currently being established, and if they reach flowering, multiple crosses could arise, and with them, the possible loss of species that have been well identified until now. Plant tissue culture represents an environmentally friendly biotechnology alternative that promotes the rescue and conservation of valuable plant genetic resources, preserving plant biodiversity and quality. The use of MS medium reduced to 50% and added with sorbitol creates a slow-growing culture medium, allowing in vitro plants of Agave potatorum and Agave marmorata to be maintained in excellent condition for more than 24 months.