Anatomical and physiological changes of in vitro-propagated Vriesea imperialis (Bromeliaceae) in the function of sucrose and ventilated containers

Abstract

Under in vitro culture conditions, plants may present physiological and anatomical disorders, which can interfere negatively after ex vitro transfer. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the impacts of natural ventilation and sucrose supply on the anatomy and physiology of Vriesea imperialis. Plants previously grown in vitro were transferred to culture medium containing 0, 15, 30 or 45 g L⁻¹ sucrose. Three different culture container sealing systems were tested: lids with a green filter (81.35 gas exchanges per day), yellow filter (13.09 gas exchanges per day) or lids with a yellow filter covered with three layers of transparent polyvinylchloride (PVC) film (blocking fluent gas exchange). Sucrose concentrations influenced thickness, lignin and suberin deposition of exodermis cell wall. The modifications verified in leaves, such as higher density of stomata and trichome scales, showed that sucrose can induce osmotic stress in the plants. Photomixotrophic conditions, using containers with intermediate rate of gas exchange (yellow filter) and with 15–30 g L⁻¹ sucrose, produced an improvement in the growth traits and did not induce anatomical and physiological disturbances.

Keywords:

• Bromeliad
• plant anatomy
• physiological disturbance
• plant physiology
• plant tissue culture

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the scholarship awarded by the CNPq (Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development), the CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) and the FAPES (Espírito Santo State Research Foundation). The authors are also grateful to Elizangela Rodrigues Santos, Thayna dos Santos Silva and Vânia Helena Techio for their technical assistance and Bromeliarium Itaúna for supplying the initial plant material.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.