A Novel Regeneration System for Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) via Organogenesis from Hypocotyl, Leaf, and Root Explants

Abstract

<jats:p><jats:italic>Cyphomandra betacea</jats:italic> (Cav.) is commonly known as Tamarillo or tree tomato. This species is mainly used for its edible fruits which have a high nutritional value and contain relatively high amounts of proteins, vitamins B6, C, E, and provitamin A. The cultivation of Tamarillo in Rwanda is facing major challenges caused mainly by viral diseases such as <jats:italic>Tamarillo mosaic virus</jats:italic> (TaMV). These diseases are difficult to control and are transferred through vegetative propagation, often resulting in heavy productivity losses and poor-quality fruits. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of using tissue culture as an alternative propagation method. Tamarillo seeds were sterilized using a commercial bleach and germinated in vitro to get clean starting explants. Explants (hypocotyls, leaves, and roots) were cultured on semisolid Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), N6-2-isopentyl adenine (2iP), 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) evaluated at 5, 10, 20, 40 µM, and thidiazuron (TDZ), evaluated at 0.1, 0.5. 1.0 1.5 µM in separate experiments. Data were collected on the number of microshoots and roots 2 months after culture and analyzed using the Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 8. The results showed that the growth regulators evaluated had a significant (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> ≤ 0.05) effect on plantlet regeneration from leaf and hypocotyl explants. The media supplemented with BA 40 μM was the most effective in inducing multiple shoots from leaf explants producing 4.67 ± 0.15 shoots per explant. Root explants showed the least morphogenic responses for all the parameters evaluated. The regenerated plantlets were transplanted to the greenhouse and a survival rate of 90% was recorded. During this study, a simple, reproducible, single-step protocol was developed. These results would be useful for mass propagation of Tamarillo.</jats:p>

Primary Metabolite Screening Shows Significant Differences between Embryogenic and Non-Embryogenic Callus of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.)

“…Nicotinamide was found in the non-embryogenic calli (NEC1, NEC2 and NEC3) and in EC1. 1.04 (d) 1 All metabolites were identified as putatively annotated compounds (level 2) according to the MSI guidelines unless stated otherwise; 2 putatively identified as a member of a compound class based on spectral similarity to known compounds of a chemical class (level 3); * not included in chemometric analysis.…”

“…Sendt. ), is a small solanaceous tree or shrub endogenous to South America [1]. Because of its edible fruits, it is currently grown globally, namely in New Zealand, Australia and California, USA [2].…”

Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis in Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Involves Increases in the Endogenous Auxin Indole-3-Acetic Acid

“…(syn. Cyphomandra betacea ) is a small (2–4 m high) solanaceous tree indigenous to South America, specifically to the Andean regions of Argentina, Bolivia Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, and currently cultivated around the globe, namely in California and New Zealand [ 1 ]. In its natural environment, tamarillo is found between 700 and 2000 m, preferring lower altitudes in colder climates [ 2 ].…”

Application of uniconazole (S3307) promotes selenium accumulation inCyphomandra betaceaseedlings under selenium stress

“…Cyphomandra betacea is a fruit tree rich in proteins and vitamins with high nutritional value 24,25 . A previous study reported that the high Se concentration in the soil increased the Se content in C. betacea 26 .…”