Development of an in vitro establishment protocol for selected material of cenízaro (Samanea saman Jacq. Merr.)

Abstract

The Saman tree (Samanea saman) is a native species with a significant and economic importance in Costa Rica due to its high-quality wood and versatile range of uses. It is ability to compete with other reforestation species and suits specific niche markets increses its value. This research aimed to develop a methodology of in vitro culture for cenízaro, as a key tool for breeding and germplasm conservation programs in Costa Rica. Experiments were focused on using greenhouse-reproduced material, both inside and outside of a microtunnel environment. Two disinfectant agents, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and mercury chloride (HgCl2), were assessed at varying concentrations and exposure durations. In vitro establishment success rates for material from the microtunnel greenhouse were less than 12.5 %. Conversely, material from outside the microtunnel showed remarkable in vitro establishment rates, surpassing 72.3 %. The most effective disinfection treatment for achieving contamination free shoots involved an incubation in 1 % v/v NaClO for 20 minutes, yielding the highest percentage of contamination-free shoots, corresponding to 85.47 %. As for apex disinfection, employing a 0.2 % (w/v) HgCl2 for 5 minutes proved optimal, resulting in 100 % establishment of explants devoid of contaminants.