Cost analysis of Agave potatorum Zucc, produced in vitro by direct organogenesis

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the efficiency and profitability of temporary immersion bioreactors compared to propagation in gelled media.Design/Methodology/Approach: Agave potatorum seedlings were introduced to the in vitro system in order to compare their productivity, multiplication rate, and propagation time. An investment project was carried out considering the equipment depreciation, but without considering the construction of the property. Based onthese premises, the cost of production per plant was evaluated with a goal of 500,000 seedlings in mind.Results: A 3% contamination was recorded when the in vitro system was first introduced. The semi-solid multiplication rate was 4 shoots per explant and 18 shoots per explant in bioreactors, both at 30 days of incubation. A 10% handling loss was taken into consideration. The production cost was US$0.16 (MNX$3.20) for gelled media and US$0.09 (MNX$1.80) for propagation in temporary immersion bioreactors. The Internal Rates of Return for gelled media and for propagation with bioreactors were 2.33 and 3.75, respectively.Study Limitations/Implications: The study does not take into consideration theconstruction of the property, although it does consider equipment depreciation.Findings/Conclusions: Thanks to scientifical and technological development, the use of biotechnological tools is becoming more profitable every day. These technologies are already available to be transferred and this kind of research demonstrates its profitability, highlighting the potential establishment of technology- based companies.