ACCLIMATION OF INTRA-SPECIFIC HYBRIDS OF Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews, OBTAINED in vitro

Abstract

Vitroplants were developed of intra-specific hybrid genotypes from Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews obtained by seed, since these do not germinate naturally for lack of nutritional reserves. To ensure the longest survival, two techniques for pre-acclimation were evaluated, and one for acclimation, using 21 intra-specific crosses and one self-fertilization. Vitroplants had 4-7 cm of length and three roots. They were placed in one-liter plastic recipients with Peat moss® substrate with the following treatments: T1 one plastic cup used as tap for the container, T2 one transparent nylon bag as lid, and in both cases
five plants per cross. Both treatments were taken to the germination chamber at 26 °C and 70 % relative humidity. At 53 days after pre-acclimation they were taken to a module of shade mesh (80 %) for acclimation. Significant differences were found (P?0.05) between pre-acclimation treatments, finding T2 with better percentages of vitroplant survival, because the technique allowed a gradual change from in vitro conditions to ex vitro conditions. During the acclimation phase, significant statistical differences were also observed between the crosses (P?0.05) due to their genetic condition