Progress 05/13/16 to 04/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:- Farmers - Graduate Students - Undergraduate Students - University Faculty - Extension Agents - Root and tubers producers - Private and public universities - Governmental agencies related to the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico EFFORTS: - Formal classroom and laboratory instruction on graduate and undergraduate courses: Research Methods in Plant Pathology (PROC 6603) in 2016 and 2018, Plant Bacteriology (PROC 4016) in 2018 and 2019, Epidemiology (PROC 6606) in 2017 and 2020, Advanced Plant Pathology (PROC 6604 )in 2018 and Tropical Plant Pathology (PROC 4006L) in 2016. - Lab workshop for graduate students working in the Biotechnology and plant pathology laboratory at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela, PR. on June-July 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. - Extension and outreach: Field Workshops for farmers on the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela on July 6 2018. - Farmers training in root and tubers seed production at "Finca Explora" facilities Isabela PR on November 25 2019. Changes/Problems:The plant tissue culture lab at Corozal had to be transferred to the Agricultural Experiment Station in Rio Piedras (AES Rio Piedras) because the laboratory has energy problems. Thus, all activities proposed for the research at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Corozal are in progress at the AES Rio Piedras. Laboratories at the Agricultural Experiment Stations of Rio Piedras and Isabela were without electricity for more than three months after Hurricane Maria. Thus, the proposed work was not completed as described in the initial proposal. In the propagation of yam using the TIB system, we had unexpected outcomes. A yam endophyte gets expressed under the conditions generated inside the TIB system blocking the filters and causing the loss of the nodal segments. Thus, the expected results were not achieved on the proposed date. However, all objectives were met on different dates and with different outcomes. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities: Experimental plots in the field were used to teach and train undergraduate students of Plant Pathology courses in yam production practices, disease control and field evaluation of economically important disease. Three graduates students were involved in the design, and establishment of the field trials. Students had weekly One-one work with the mentor at the field sites. Lab workshop for graduate students working in the Biotechnology and plant pathology laboratory at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela, PR. on June-July 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Extension and outreach: Field Workshops for farmers on the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela on July 6 2018. Farmers training in root and tubers seed production at "Finca Explora" facilities Isabela PR on November 25 2019. Professional development: The graduate students, undergraduates, PI and CoPI participated in SOPCA Annual Meting in 2018, 2019. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Publications Scientific Articles - Feliciano-Rivera, M. 2018. Towards Sustainable Yam Production in Puerto Rico. Scientia, Bristol UK. https:// doi.org/10.26320/SCIENTIA265 Conference papers - Yanira Miranda Cortés, Merari Feliciano-Rivera and Jesús M. Cardona. 2018. Toward the improvement of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) seed production using the minisetts technique. Proceedings "Reunión Científica Anual SOPCA". Abstract - Merari Feliciano Rivera, Yanira Miranda Cortés y Jesús M. Cardona. 2019. Evaluación de sistemas de inmersión temporal en la producción de explantes de Dioscorea rotundata cv. Guinea Negro. Proceedings "Reunión Científica Anual SOPCA". Abstract - Seylie M. Serrano Jiménez, Merari Feliciano Rivera and Jesús M. Cardona Colón. 2019. Evaluation of morphological diversity of yam cultivars (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata). Proceedings "Reunión Científica Anual SOPCA". Abstract - Gabdiel Yulfo, Yanira Miranda Cortes, Merari Feliciano-Rivera and Jesús M. Cardona. 2018. Screening of Efficient Explants Surface Disinfection Methods for the Micropropagation of Dioscorea rotundata (cv. Guinea Negro). Proceedings "Reunión Científica Anual SOPCA". Abstract Master Degree Thesis - Miranda Cortés, Y. 2019. "Evaluación de métodos de propagación de Dioscorea spp. para aumentar la disponibilidad de semilla libre de enfermedades." University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus. dc.identifier.uri https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11801/2493 - Cevallos-Hidalgo, Paulina A. 2019. Valoración de prácticas culturales para el control de la pudrición del cormo, producción a escala de material de propagación libre de enfermedades y estimación de la diversidad genética de apio (Arracacia xanthorrhiza bancroft) en Puerto Rico. University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus. - Seylie M. Serrano Jiménez. 2020. Diferenciación morfológica de cultivares de ñame (Dioscorea rotundata y Dioscorea alata) y especies de Colletotrichum spp. asociadas. University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus. Extension and outreach: - Field Workshops for farmers on the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela on July 6 2018. - Farmers training in root and tubers seed production at "Finca Explora" facilities Isabela PR on November 25 2019. - Lab workshop for graduate students working in the Biotechnology and plant pathology laboratory at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela, PR. on June-July 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All the activities were completed and all objectives established in the project met.Yanira Miranda: "Evaluación de métodos de propagación de Dioscorea spp. para aumentar la disponibilidad de semilla libre de enfermedades". Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is the most economically important crop within roots and tubers in Puerto Rico. However, only 18 % of the local demand is currently produced on the island. The lack of high-quality disease-free seeds is one of the main constraints for the local production of yam. The objective of this research was to evaluate alternative methods to produce yam seeds (Dioscorea rotundata). An alternate method for seed production was evaluated by in vitro propagation in solid medium and using a temporary immersion system (TIB's). A disinfection method of nodal segments for Dioscorea rotundata cv. Guinea Black was developed. We obtained more than 85 % effectiveness after 30 days of incubation. The effect of 1 and 2 ml/L of Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM) in tubes with and without parafilm under Light-emitting diode and fluorescent lights were evaluated in the number of leaves, nodes, multiplication rates, and contamination. Contamination in both concentrations of PPM was statistically similar but lower than the none PPM added control. Use of parafilm resulted in greater contamination under fluorescent light but did not affect the development of the nodal segments in any treatment. Under led light, more leaves and nodes were found per nodal segment. In the temporary immersion system, the use of IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) and Kinetin was evaluated for the development of the explants and in another experiment the use of PPM for the control of contamination in the culture medium. Use of hormones harmed the development of the explants by inducing the formation of callus tissue and reduced numbers of leaves and nodes. An adverse effect was observed on the development of the nodal segments at a concentration of 1 ml/L of PPM. Results demonstrated the ability of these techniques to increase multiplication rates and crop yields, as well as to solve the problem of seed scarcity currently present in Puerto Rico. Andrea Ceballos "Valoración de prácticas culturales para el control de la pudrición del cormo, producción a escala de material de propagación libre de enfermedades y estimación de la diversidad genética de apio (Arracacia xanthorrhiza bancroft) en Puerto Rico". Apio (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancroft) is an important crop at the high land region of Puerto Rico, with a unique potential for commercialization and food processing. Research about integrated plant management of pest and diseases, seed decontamination, and genetic diversity of this crop is limited. Because these areas are critical to advance and improve the apio production on the island, this research was focused on them. We evaluated practical methodologies for seed decontamination to improve seed germination. To validate cultural practices into the integrated plant management aimed to control the corm rot disease in apio, we validated practices like crop rotation, incorporation compost, incorporation of covers crops in the soil as green biomass, and the use of the disease-free seed. To increase the availability of disease-free propagation material, we evaluated tissue culture micropropagation and TIBs for its scale production. We evaluated the genetic diversity of the three most common varieties of apio on the island. As part of the validation of the cultural practices, we established a seed decontamination protocol and identified the combination of practices for efficient disease control, allowing the farmers to recover their seed and improve the production. We established a tissue culture and TIBs protocols for the scale production of enough disease-free material. It was determined that the three varieties of apio in Puerto Rico are genetically different and distant from the varieties in the regions of origin such as Peru and Ecuador. Seylie M. Serrano Jiménez: "Diferenciación morfológica de cultivares de ñame (Dioscorea rotundata y Dioscorea alata) y especies de Colletotrichum spp. asociadas". In Puerto Rico, yam (Dioscorea spp.) is one of the most economically important tubers within the farinaceous screened. The most cultivated and consumed species are Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata. Imports of this crop on the island represent 80% of local demand. The lack of knowledge about yam species and its respective cultivars has been a problem that over the years has limited the production and adequate management of diseases in these crops. Colletotrichum spp. it is the most important genus of fungus in yams causing anthracnose, and the most destructive leaf disease. Correct management of these crops in terms of differentiation of cultivars and diseases requires tools that allow accurate identification of both plants and pathogens associated with them. The objectives of this research were to differentiate yam cultivars (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata) through morphological descriptors and in silico analysis of RFLP, and in turn the identification of Colletotrichum species associated with the foliage anthracnose. Dioscorea spp morphological descriptors were evaluated in leaves, stems, roots, tubers and inflorescences, while the genetic analysis was performed evaluating RFLP of RbcL, MatK, and trnH-PsbA genetic regions. Colletotrichum spp. isolates identification was performed using morphological characteristics and for genetic identification ITS, TUB-2 and GAPDH genetic regions. With those isolates, growth curves and pathogenicity tests were performed following Koch's postulates. "Guinea Negro" (D. rotundata) cultivar turned out to be tolerant to anthracnose and was differentiated from the D. alata species by the presence of spines on the stem, and tubers of cylindrical shape. While cultivars of D. rotundata differed from each other in the color of the stem, presence of spines in tuber roots, presence of aerial tubers, leaves color and dormancy of the tubers. Cultivar was differentiated from the rest of the D. rotundata cultivars by the presence of aerial tubers, and by having the shortest dormancy period. At the genetic level, the MatK gene proved to be a possible candidate for the study of species, while AluI and MseI enzymes can be considered as the most specific endonucleases for the separation of yam cultivars and species. Three Colletotrichum species were identified: C. karstii, C. siamense and C. tropicale. None of these identified species was pathogenic to "Guinea Negro" cultivar. Our research has shown that yam cultivars can be identified through morphological characters and RFLP analysis could be considered as an alternative to differentiate between cultivars of the same species. Objectives met: Establishment of the TIB system at the Tissue Culture Laboratory at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Isabela for yam and Corozal for Arracacha; Maximize the production of clean and healthy propagation material; Evaluation of the yield and genetic stability in the field of the material propagated by TIBs. Results achieved and key outcomes: Development of a protocol to propagate disease-free material of yam and arracacha; Reduction in contamination caused by endophytes using the PPM; A change in knowledge occured because we identified a new protocol suitable for reduced contamination up to less than 5% inside the system; A change in action occured because we implemented a new protocol to disinfect yam explants adding Plant Protection Mixture; A change in action occured because we are implementing a new propagation system that can be used for research, teaching and to train yam producers in the PR; A change in knowledge occured because we separated yam cultivars using In Silico RFLP and morphological characters.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Feliciano-Rivera, M. 2018. Towards Sustainable Yam Production in Puerto Rico. Scientia, Bristol UK. https:// doi.org/10.26320/SCIENTIA265
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Yanira Miranda Cort�s, Merari Feliciano-Rivera and Jes�s M. Cardona. 2018. Toward the improvement of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) seed production using the minisetts technique. Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA .
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Merari Feliciano Rivera, Yanira Miranda Cort�s y Jes�s M. Cardona. 2019. Evaluaci�n de sistemas de inmersi�n temporal en la producci�n de explantes de Dioscorea rotundata cv. Guinea Negro. Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA .
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Seylie M. Serrano Jim�nez, Merari Feliciano Rivera and Jes�s M. Cardona Col�n. 2019. Evaluation of morphological diversity of yam cultivars (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata). Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA .
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Gabdiel Yulfo, Yanira Miranda Cortes, Merari Feliciano-Rivera and Jes�s M. Cardona. 2018. Screening of Efficient Explants Surface Disinfection Methods for the Micropropagation of Dioscorea rotundata (cv. Guinea Negro). Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA .
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Miranda Cort�s, Y. 2019. "Evaluaci�n de m�todos de propagaci�n de Dioscorea spp. para aumentar la disponibilidad de semilla libre de enfermedades." University of Puerto Rico, Mayag�ez campus. dc.identifier.uri
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11801/2493
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Cevallos-Hidalgo, Paulina A. 2019. Valoraci�n de pr�cticas culturales para el control de la pudrici�n del cormo, producci�n a escala de material de propagaci�n libre de enfermedades y estimaci�n de la diversidad gen�tica de apio (Arracacia xanthorrhiza bancroft) en Puerto Rico. University of Puerto Rico, Mayag�ez campus.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Seylie M. Serrano Jim�nez. 2020. Diferenciaci�n morfol�gica de cultivares de �ame (Dioscorea rotundata y Dioscorea alata) y especies de Colletotrichum spp. asociadas. University of Puerto Rico, Mayag�ez campus.
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the course of this project we plan to reach: - farmers - root and tubers producers - undergraduate students - graduate students - private and public universities - governmental agencies related to the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico - Faculty member from the College of Agriculture, UPR Efforts: PI (Dr. Merari Feliciano-Rivera) and CoPi (Dr. Martha Giraldo Zapata) teach graduates students the innovative methodology of tissue culture using a Temporary Immersion System as part of the plant pathology graduate courses at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Changes/Problems:The plant tissue culture lab at Corozal had to be transferred to the Agricultural Experiment Station in Rio Piedras (AES Rio Piedras) because the laboratory has energy problems. Thus, all activities proposed for the research at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Corozal are in progress at the AES Rio Piedras. Laboratories at the Agricultural Experiments Station of Rio Piedras and Isabela were without electricity for more than three months after Hurricane Maria. Thus, the proposed work will not be completed as described in the initial proposal. In the propagation of yam using the TIB system, we have unexpected outcomes. A yam endophyte gets expressed under the conditions generated inside the TIB system blocking the filters and causing the loss of the nodal segments. Thus, the expected results will not be achieved on the proposed date. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduates students were involved in the design, and establishment of the protocols under evaluation using the TIB system. Students had weekly one-one work with the mentor at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela. Trials at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela provided trainings to graduate students from the Department of Argo-environmental Science. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through the publications mentioned in the previous section. On graduate courses at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, Department of Agro-environmental Science. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue the evaluation of hormones to improve the multiplication rates of both crops using the TIB system. Validate the protocols developed for Arracacha and Yam using the TIBs on replicated experiments. Evaluate the yield and genetic stability in the field of the material propagated by TIBs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Major activities completed: The first trials, after Hurricane Maria, were done at both locations, Isabela and Rio Piedras, in 2018 and 2019. The results were not as expected for yam, because once the yam tissue is inside the bioreactors, the population of endophytes increases. The graduate student Yanira Miranda worked evaluating the effect of PPM (Plant Protection Mixture) in the yam explant development and contamination. Even in the presence of the endophytes, explants continue its development producing new shoots and leaves. Additional trials were established to evaluate the residual effect of systemic fungicides before start the micropropagtion under controlled conditions. Fontelis resulted in being the most effective fungicide to reduce contamination by up to 95%. The graduate student Paulina developed the protocol for Arracacha at Rio Piedras Station, but the levels of contamination in this crop are less frequent than in yam. Thus, at this moment, the TIBs system is suitable to propagate and produce clean seeds of Arracacha. Using a combination of solid media and yam explants reproduced under the TIBs system, we were able to produce disease-free plants that were evaluated under greenhouse conditions until December 2019. We evaluate the use of Acetic Acid and Kinetin for the development of yam explants and the use of "Plant Preservative Mixture" (PPM) for contamination control and development evaluation in the culture medium. The data were analyzed using the Infostat program, version 2018. Yam explants contamination and development was evaluated after six weeks of the initial establishment. The explants treated with hormones showed less development (lower number of leaves (p = 0.0129), lower number of roots (p = 0.002) and shorter root length (p = 0.0002)) compared with explants not treated with hormones. Callus induction was observed in explants treated with both hormones. The PPM proved to be effective in 50% of the replicas for contamination control within the temporary immersion system. Statistically, the explants treated with the 1 ml / L dose of PPM had a lower multiplication rate (p = 0.0001) compared with 2 ml / L of PPM and the control. Based on our results, hormones are not necessary for the early stages of establishment, and PPM should be used at a dose of 2 ml / L. 2) Specific objectives met: 1. Establishment of the TIB system at the Tissue Culture Laboratory at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Isabela for yam and Corozal for Arracacha. 2. Maximize the production of clean and healthy propagation material. 3. Evaluation of the yield and genetic stability in the field of the material propagated by TIBs (In progress). 3) Significant results achieved and key outcomes: Development of a protocol to propagate disease-free material of yam and Arracacha. Reduction in contamination caused by endophytes using the PPM. A change in knowledge occurs because we identify a new protocol suitable for reduced contamination up to less than 5% inside the system. A change in action occurs because we implemented a new protocol to disinfect yam explants adding Plant Protection Mixture. A change in action occurs because we are implementing a new propagation system that can be used for research, teaching and to train yam producers in the PR.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Miranda Cort�s, Y. 2019. "Evaluaci�n de m�todos de propagaci�n de Dioscorea spp. para aumentar la disponibilidad de semilla libre de enfermedades." University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Cevallos-Hidalgo, Paulina A. 2019. Valoraci�n de pr�cticas culturales para el control de la pudrici�n del cormo, producci�n a escala de material de propagaci�n libre de enfermedades y estimaci�n de la diversidad gen�tica de apio (arracacia xanthorrhiza bancroft) en Puerto Rico. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Seylie M. Serrano Jim�nez, Merari Feliciano Rivera and Jes�s M. Cardona Col�n. 2019. Evaluation of morphological diversity of yam cultivars (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata). Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�ficaAnual SOPCA . Abstract
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Merari Feliciano Rivera, Yanira Miranda Cort�s y Jes�s M. Cardona. 2019. Evaluaci�n de sistemas de inmersi�n
temporal en la producci�n de explantes de Dioscorea rotundata cv. Guinea Negro. Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica
Anual SOPCA . Abstract
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Gabdiel Yulfo, Yanira Miranda Cortes, Merari Feliciano-Rivera and Jes�s M. Cardona. 2018. Screening of Efficient
Explants Surface Disinfection Methods for the Micropropagation of Dioscorea rotundata (cv. Guinea Negro).Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA . Abstract
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the course of this project we plan to reach: - farmers - root and tubers producers - undergraduate students - graduate students - private and public universities - governmental agencies related to the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico - Faculty member from the College of Agriculture, UPR Efforts: PI (Dr. Merari Feliciano-Rivera) and CoPi (Dr. Martha Giraldo Zapata) teaches graduates students the innovative methodology of tissue culture using a Temporary Immersion System. Changes/Problems:The plant tissue culture lab at Corozal had to be transferred to the Agricultural Experiment Station in Rio Piedras (AES Rio Piedras) because the laboratory has energy problems. Thus, all activities proposed for the research at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Corozal are in progress at the AES Rio Piedras. Laboratories at the Agricultural Experiments Station of Rio Piedras and Isabela were without electricity for more than three months after Hurricane Maria. Thus, the proposed work will not be completed as described in the initial proposal. In the propagation of yam using the TIB system, we have unexpected outcomes. A yam endophyte gets expressed under the conditions generated inside the TIB system blocking the filters and causing the loss of the nodal segments. Thus, the expected results will not be achieved on the proposed date. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduates students were involved in the design, and establishment of the protocols under evaluation using the TIB system. Students had weekly one-one work with the mentor at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela. Trials at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Isabela provided trainings to graduate students from the Department of Argo-environmental Science. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through peer reviewpublications, field days and workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue the evaluation of alternativemethods to prevent the expression of the endophyte in the TIB system. Validate the protocols developed for Arracacha and Yam using the TIBs on replicated experiments. Evaluate yield and genetic stability in the field of the material propagated by TIBs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Major activities completed: The bioreactors systems were established at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Rio Piedras. The first trials were done at both locations, Isabela and Rio Piedras. The results were not as expected for yam, because once the yam tissue is inside the bioreactors, the population of endophytes increases. Currently, the graduate student Yanira Miranda is working on evaluating several antibiotics and Plant Protection Mixtures to reduce the contamination of the artificial media inside the bioreactor. Even in the presence of the endophytes explants continue its development producing new shoots and leaves. Agraduate student is currently developing the protocol for Arracacha at the Rio Piedras Station, but the levels of contamination in this crop are less frequent than in yam. 2) Specific objectives met: 1. Establishment of the TIB system at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Isabela for yam and Rio Piedras for arracacha. 2. Maximize the production of clean and healthy propagation material (only partially for yam). 3) Significant results achieved: Reduction in contamination caused by endophytes. A change in action occur because we implemented a new protocol to disinfect yam explants adding Plant Protection Mixture. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. A change in knowledge occurs because we identify a new protocol suitable to reduced contamination up to less than 5% inside the system.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Serrano-Jim�nez, S. M., Merari Feliciano-Rivera. 2018. Evaluation of DNA extraction from Dioscorea spp. using two lysing matrix tubes. Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA .
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Yulfo G.,Yanira Miranda Cortes, Merari Feliciano-Rivera and Jes�s M. Cardona. 2018. Screening of Efficient Explants Surface Disinfection Methods for the Micropropagation of Dioscorea rotundata (cv. Guinea Negro). Proceedings Reuni�n Cient�fica Anual SOPCA .
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Feliciano-Rivera, M. 2018. Towards Sustainable Yam Production in Puerto Rico. Scientia, Bristol UK. https://doi.org/10.26320/SCIENTIA265
|
Progress 05/13/16 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the course of this project we plan to reach: - farmers - root and tubers producers - undergraduate students - graduate students - private and public universities - governmental agencies related to the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico - Faculty member from the College of Agriculture, UPR Changes/Problems:We faced a delay in the shipping of the bioreactors from the SETIS company, thus the first trials for both crops (yam and arracacha) will have two to three months' delay. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Micropropagation lab facilities were used to teach and train graduate students of Plant Pathology courses in techniques for in vitro cultivation of yam. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Complete the assembly of automated devices to control gaseous exchange, illumination, and nutrients uptake in the bioreactors at both locations. Evaluate the protocols for scaling up cultures in the bioreactors. This will involve extensive research and development in all phases of TIBs: multiplication, elongation, and rooting. Thus, protocols for all phases will be developed using first the research prototype and then when it is adjusted it could be applied on a commercial prototype for a larger production scale. The approximated length for each phase will be as fallow: • Multiplication phase: 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the yam and arracacha cultivars. • Elongation phase: 2 to 3 weeks, species dependent. • Rooting phase: 3 to 4 weeks. Once the plants reach the proper acclimatization, they will be distributed to farmers with the capability to continue the multiplication of this propagation material under appropriate conditions, ensure the sanitary conditions of the material, and to distribute it safely to other farmers, and thus contribute to the development of a sustainable agriculture.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) We built a complete setting for the TIB system facilities at Isabela and Corozal. The system will allow us to adjust the protocols through research prototypes with small volumes, to a commercial prototype with larger sizes. 2) This will allow us to meet the first and second objectives established. 3) A change in Knowledge occurred for the scientists while evaluating the micropropagation protocols to establish the yam and arracacha plants. 4) The most significant result obtained was to establish the first population of arracacha plants in artificial media amended with nutrients and hormones.
Publications
|