<i>In vitro</i> culture of cashew (<i>Anacardium occidentale</i> L.): influence of disinfection, antioxidants and carbon source on germination and growth

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of disinfection protocol, antioxidants, and carbon sources on the germination and growth of cashew plants grown in vitro. Two disinfection techniques, single and double disinfection, were used on cashew seeds. The seeds were then grown on a medium supplemented with antioxidants and carbon source at different concentrations. The results showed that double disinfection resulted in the lowest contamination rates of 5.29% and 9% for calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite, respectively. Germination rates, mean germination times, and viable seedling rates were not affected by the disinfection technique nor type of disinfectant used. However, plants from seeds that underwent double disinfection had the highest growth rates. The presence of antioxidants and the interaction between antioxidants and their concentrations did not have a significant influence on germination rates, normal seedling rates, or mean germination time. On the other hand, these parameters were affected by the carbon source used. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that affect cashew seed germination and growth in.