Micropropagation of chiltepín (Capsicum annuum L. cv. 'glabriusculum') by applying a pectic oligosaccharide

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a pectic oligogalacturonide (PectiMorf ® ) in the micropropagation of chiltepin ( Capsicum annuum L. cv. 'glabriusculum') and its adaptation to transplant. Multiple shoots were obtained by in vitro culture of nodal segments of 30-day-old plantlets from chiltepin, using a MS medium supplemented with BAP 10 -5 M. The highest number of shoots, measuring fresh and dry mass per explant, was obtained in MS medium enriched with Pectimorf (1 mg.L 1 ). At the time of lifting and reseting plantlets with Pectimorf (1 mg.L -1 -10 mg.L 1 ) in vitro to ex vitro , the survival rate was of 100%, which was maintained thereafter, obtaining a greater number and length of roots, as well as vigor, than in control plants and those treated with BAP. Also, plants obtained with these oligosaccharides generally showed higher content in chlorophyll α and β , and phaeopigments. The best results were achieved in plantlets treated with Pectimorf (10 mg. L-1 ).