Influence of flask sealing and activated charcoal on the morphogenesis and leaf anatomy of Annona glabra (Annonaceae) cultured in vitro

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of the type of tube closure and the use of activated charcoal in the morphogenesis and leaf anatomy of Annona glabra (Annonaceae). Nodal segments of A. glabra were inoculated in WPM medium supplemented with 30 g l-1 sucrose and five concentrations of activated charcoal (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g l-1). During in vitro culture, nodal segments were kept in test tubes closed in one of three ways: plastic cap sealed with PVC wrap, plastic cap without a PVC wrap and cotton plug. The results showed that the shoots obtained in tubes closed with a plastic cap without a PVC wrap or sealed with a cotton plug had increased growth compared to those obtained in tubes sealed with a plastic cap and a PVC wrap. The presence of activated charcoal caused a reduction of leaf abscission and influenced the anatomical development of the shoots in the tubes sealed with a cotton plug and sealed with a plastic cap without a PVC wrap. The highest means for leaf tissue thickness were obtained from the shoots kept in closed tubes with a plastic lid and a PVC wrap in the absence of activated charcoal.