In vitroestablishment of yellow cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz) in Alto Beni, Bolivia

Abstract

The cultivation of cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz) represents a highly relevant agricultural alternative due to its nutritional value and economic potential in tropical areas. In vitro micropropagation has emerged as a biotechnological tool for the mass production of high-quality, pathogen-free plant material. The objective of this research was to evaluate four disinfection methods for the in vitro establishment of the Amarilla variety of cassava at the Sapecho Experimental Station. For this purpose, stem segments with lateral buds were used and subjected to different disinfection treatments, including hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, antioxidants, and bactericides. A completely randomized design (CRD) with 30 replicates per treatment and fivereplicates was used for data analysis. The results showed that method I (70% alcohol and 2% sodium hypochlorite plus 2% hydrogen peroxide) obtained the highest survival rate and the lowest level of microbial contamination. In contrast, methods III and IV showed higher microbial contamination and fewer live explants. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing the concentrations and exposure times of disinfectants to improve the in vitro establishment of cassava and reduce losses due to contamination.