Gas exchange and induction of polyploids in vitro in species of the genus Physalis

Abstract

The genus Physalis is a taxonomic group known for the fruit covered by an enlarged chalice, tasty and ornamental. More recently, this taxon has aroused the biotechnological interest due to the production of physalins, a class of molecules with varied medicinal properties. In this set of studies, tissue culture, anatomy and cytogenetics are used to increase biotechnological knowledge on some Physalis species. In the first article, the quality and quantity of light emitted by the LED affected the phytotechnical characteristics, anatomy and content of photopigments of in vitro micropropagated Physalis angulata. In the second article, quality and quantity of light also affected these characteristics of this species, but the photoautotrophic micropropagation was obtained using natural light and gas exchange. In the third article, Physalis alkekengi tetraploides were obtained by in vitro induced chromosome duplication and several characteristics were altered. In general conclusion, plant tissue culture contributes significantly to the biotechnological advances of the Physalis genus.