Disinfection of Guadua angustifolia Kunthexplants for in vitro propagation

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different disinfectants and concentrations on Guadua angustifolia explants collected during rainy and dry seasons for in vitro propagation, and to determine their impact on shoot emergence and survival.Design/Methodology/Approach: Nodal segments were collected and subjected to six disinfection treatments combining 3% NaClO, the fungicide azoxystrobin (1.5 g L-1), and antibiotics (gentamicin, streptomycin, kanamycin, 5 ml) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Yasuda culture media supplemented with Gamborg vitamins, adjusted to pH 5.0, solidified with phytagel, and sterilized at 15 PSI for 20 minutes.Results: The Yasuda medium presented lower contamination rates across treatments and improved explant survival during the dry season. Disinfection with fungicide alone resulted in 20 surviving explants, while the combination of antibiotics, fungicide, and 3% NaClO resulted in 19 surviving explants. No statistical differences were found between culture media regarding survival. Disinfection and oxidation were reduced when combining azoxystrobin, 3% NaClO, and fungicide, although survival improved in both treatments. Explants collected during the dry season exhibited lower contamination, higher survival, and greater shoot formation.Limitations/Implications: Genetic variability among parent plants may influence explant response, potentially affecting propagation success and in vitro culture outcomes.Findings/Conclusions: Explant survival improved with the combined use of azoxystrobin and 3% NaClO, as well as with azoxystrobin alone. Collection during the dry season reduced contamination and enhanced survival and shoot development, making it a more suitable period for explant procurement.