Cryopreservation of achenes of caju-de-árvore-docerrado (Anacardium othonianum Rizz)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the water content limit for the cryopreservation of cajude-árvore-do-Cerrado (Anacardium othonianum Rizz) achenes and assess the effect of the thawing method on their performance. Achenes were dried in silica gel until water contents of 14, 12, 8 and 4% w.b. (wet basis) were reached and then were stored in cryogenic cylinders in direct contact with liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for 20 days; then, the achenes were subjected to slow, fast and microwave thawing. After thawing, the achenes underwent physiological evaluation and vigor tests. The water content limit for the cryopreservation of A. othonianum Rizz achenes was determined to be between 14 and 12% w.b. Water contents of less than 12% reduced the physiological quality and vigor of the achenes. The thawing method used did not affect the viability of the achenes for most features assessed; however, when thawed in a microwave, the achenes exhibited poorer performance, especially those that had 8% water content.

Keywords: Preservation, desiccation, cryogeny, liquid nitrogen

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(22), pp. 3537-3544