Micropropagation of Brassavola nodosa (L.) Lindl. using SETIS™ bioreactor

Abstract Brassavola nodosa (L.) Lindl. is a tropical epiphytic orchid showing characteristics of interest for the ornamental nursery industry. However, problems with traditional propagation methods limit the development of a large-scale commercial production system. In addition, this species is considered endangered due to the reduction in population caused by habitat destruction, climate change and over-collection from native areas. The use of micropropagation has been investigated for this species, and the use of liquid in vitro systems showed potential for use of temporary immersion bioreactors for micropropagation of B. nodosa. This study evaluated the efficiency of the SETIS™ bioreactor system for the micropropagation of B. nodosa by adjusting parameters of immersion (frequency and duration) and by comparing it to conventional semi-solid culture systems. Results indicate that temporary immersion of B. nodosa explants with a frequency of 2 h and duration of 2 min returned the highest multiplication rates, with 4.6 shoots produced per explant compared with 2.8 shoots per explant in semi-solid agar-based systems. The use of bioreactors also promoted increased growth and development and in vitro rooting, therefore improving survival and facilitating acclimatization of in vitro-derived plantlets. This is the first study demonstrating a successful protocol for large-scale micropropagation of B. nodosa using SETIS™ bioreactors, which could have significant value and impact for the commercial production of this species as well as for conservation purposes.