Abstract
Curcuma longa (C. longa) is widely known for its medicinal properties. However, the potential overexploitation of this plant raises doubts about its long-term survival on Rapa Nui. Micropropagation using a temporary immersion system (TIS) could be the basis for developing a cost-effective and highly productive method of large-scale cultivation of this plant. Our objective was to develop and refine the in vitro multiplication system for mass propagation of C. longa, and thus help restore the fragile ecosystem of Rapa Nui. Three parameters were evaluated: number of explants per flask, flask capacity, and LEDs spectrum. For each parameter evaluated, four aspects were analyzed: fresh weight per plant, number of shoots, percentage of non-sprouting explants, and the proliferation rate. The use of 30 explants per two-liter flask results in more plants with high fresh biomass than other configurations. In addition, LEDs with a red:blue ratio of 2:1 provided the best lighting conditions for in vitro propagation and positively affected C. longa proliferation and rooting. Therefore, our results show that 30 explants per two-liter flask and an LED source with a red:blue ratio of 2:1 allow a higher number of C. longa plants to be obtained using TIS.
Highlights
Ancestral medicine is very important to the people of Rapa Nui, who rely on several plants to make preparations widely used for medical purposes [1]
The results demonstrate the importance of conservation, reproduction, protection, and proper management of this species
The success of micropropagation by temporary immersion system (TIS) depends on the volume of the culture vessel and liquid medium container compared to the amount of explant biomass in the early and YPFD
Summary
Ancestral medicine is very important to the people of Rapa Nui, who rely on several plants to make preparations widely used for medical purposes [1]. Due to excessive harvesting, several plant species have disappeared and others, among them, Curcuma longa L., (Pua in the Rapa Nui language), are overexploited. The natives consider it a magical plant and use it to treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, muscle pain, and others [2]. A study of the biological properties of the Rapa Nui ecotype of C. longa revealed high relative concentrations of polyphenols and curcumin, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [3]. Particular attention should be given to efforts aimed at optimizing its propagation on Rapa Nui through in vitro multiplication
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