Plant regeneration from oca (Oxalis tuberosa M.): the effect of explant type and culture media

Abstract

Shoot regeneration has been obtained from internode and petiole sections of oca on a number of culture media supplemented with 3 mgl-1 naphthaleneacetic acid and 3 mgl-1 of either benzylaminopurine or zeatin, the latter being more effective. A greater percentage of sections from the 4th, 5th and 6th internodes (numbered from the apex) produced shoots than sections from older or younger internodes. Of five locally available genotypes based on tuber colour, a weak-growing type ‘white’ showed the greatest morphogenetic potential. Out of eight nutrient media tested, a modified B5 medium containing casein hydrolysate and L-glutamate supported the most consistent shoot regeneration. Shoot regeneration was preceded by the formation of a dark red smooth-surfaced callus. This was usually followed by the formation of a short tapering root. Swellings arose at the base of the root and developed into single or multiple shoots. These shoots were excised, rooted in basal Murashige & Skoog medium and transferred to the field.