Applied Biotechnology for in Vitro Production of Carica Papaya L

A suitable in vitro system for the production of Carica papaya L. was developed. Shoot cultures of papaya were optimally established at low irradiance, 5 μmol m$\rm\sp{-2}s\sp{-1},$ with FeEDTA as the iron source. But during later proliferation, highest multiplication rates, highest leaf chlorophyll concentrations, and significantly improved shoot quality were achieved at 30 μmol m$\rm\sp{-2}s\sp{-1}$ irradiance when two iron chelate sources, FeEDTA and FeEDDHA, were combined (each at a 100 μM concentration) in the medium. A higher frequency of somatic embryogenesis was achieved in a shorter time in a liquid system than reported previously for other systems. The presence of abscisic acid (ABA) in the maturation medium enhanced embryo size and increased the percentage developing into plantlets. A papain-like enzyme was detected in the somatic embryo cultures both under light or in darkness, but enzyme activity was enhanced in a liquid system under 40μmol m$\rm\sp{-2}s\sp{-1}$ irradiance. Artificial seeds were developed by encapsulation of somatic embryos. The exposure of the beads to calcium chloride for 10 minutes was found to be optimal for higher conversion frequency into plantlets.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Horticulture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Castillo, Bernarda Altagracia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Smith, Mary Ann Lila

• Biology, Plant Physiology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9737066

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87827