Improved growth and quality of Dioscorea fordii Prain et Burk and Dioscorea alata plantlets using a temporary immersion system

Abstract

The effects of temporary immersion system (TIS) culture on the growth and quality of Dioscorea fordii Prain et Burk and Dioscorea alata plantlets were investigated. Results indicate that TIS promoted the growth and quality of D. fordii and D. alata plantlets. Proliferation rate, shoot length, fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of shoots, and total biomass production were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in the TIS than in gelled and liquid medium, respectively. The TIS also promoted tuberization of D. fordii, and decreased vitrification of D. alata significantly. The healthy plantlets of D. fordii and D. alata obtained in the TIS would probably have positive effects on transplanting in large-scale commercial production.

Key words: Dioscorea fordii Prain et Burk, Dioscorea alata, culture system, TIS, micropropagation, tuberization.