Specifics of introducing tagetes (Tagetes patula) in vitro

Purpose. Establishing the peculiarities of the introduction and initial stages of development of tagetes (Tagetes patula) in aseptic culture conditions. Methods. The research was conducted in the educational and scientific laboratory of biotechnological research of the Sumy National Agrarian University. The optimal concentration of the sterilizing solution and the time of seed sterilization were determined. For plant cultivation, Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium was used. The efficiency of sterilization and the level of plant development at different periods of cultivation were evaluated. Results. A comprehensive analysis of the seed sterilization process of T. patula was conducted. The optimal sterilizing agent was found to be a solution of bleach “Bilyzna” in a concentration of 1:4 with an exposure time of 20 minutes, which ensured 85% sterility of the seed material. Seed germination was observed at 100%, although 15% were infected with pathogenic microflora. On the 7th day after introduction into culture, intensive seed germination was observed, including 87% of seedlings having an elongated shoot, 82% with first leaves, and 76% with a root system. By the 14th day, intensive development continued: true leaves appeared (88%), and the root system acquired a taproot form (95%). After 21–30 days of cultivation, well-developed plants with a well-formed root system (92% of plants had a main root up to 6 cm) were obtained. Plant cultivation was carried out on hormone-free MS medium, providing all necessary nutrients for growth. The obtained aseptic material can be used for further microclonal propagation or biotechnological research. Conclusions. The optimal method for seed sterilization of tagetes involves the use of a “Bilyzna” solution at a concentration of 1:4. Cultivation of plants on Murashige and Skoog medium without the addition of growth regulators promotes uniform seedling development, as evidenced by the short cultivation period (14–31 days). The obtained results can be used to improve the methods of introducing T. patula in vitro.