College of Micronesia Land Grant Program

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tissue culture

Development of Salt tolerant giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott) and soft taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) through tissue culture

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

Salinity and drought still remain the major abiotic stresses that limit as well as pose a threat to agricultural production in many parts of the world including Micronesia. The research project entitled, “In Vitro Selection for Salt Tolerance in Taro,” focused on developing salt tolerant varieties of giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott), and soft taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott). Approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), this project incorporated both plant biotechnology and breeding methods for the selection, assessment, and development of salt tolerant taro varieties. The project director of this project, Dr. Virendra M. Verma, shared that since taro is grown in lowland swamp areas across Micronesia, the crop is especially vulnerable to damage from saltwater. Considering the traditional and cultural importance given to giant swamp taro and soft taro as the most important staple food crops in the Micronesia region, the availability of salt tolerant taro varieties through this research project, is of great significance.

Giant swamp taro and soft taro, members of the family Araceae, are ancient crops that are grown throughout the humid tropics for their edible corms, leaves and petioles as well as for traditional uses. Nutritionally, taro is rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. The corms of taro are superior to potatoes in nutritional value, containing a higher proportion of proteins, calcium and phosphorus. The vitamin B content in taro corms is equivalent to that of cabbage and twice that of potato. Taro also contains greater amounts of vitamin B-complex than whole milk. In corms, the main bulk starch is present in very fine grains which make them easily digestible. The corms can be boiled, roasted, fried as chips or cooked in curries. The young leaves and petioles of soft taro are also used as food and cooked like any other green vegetable. The cooked leaves of soft taro have the same nutritional value of spinach.

Salinity, an abiotic stress that combines elements of water deficiency and sodium toxicity resulting in lost crop yield and arable land, is among the most serious and widespread of agricultural problems on the Micronesian islands. Giant swamp taro and soft taro are among the most important staple food crops in the region. Cultivated for local consumption as well as for export, these crops contribute significantly to the regional socio-economic growth and provide livelihood to almost all island people. Considered as the crucial staple crops for ensuring food, nutritional, and economic security, taros are placed on high agricultural priority in the region. However, the limitations in availability of salt-tolerant germplasm, and disease-free and elite seedlings, are a major bottleneck in taro production. Therefore, the efforts to develop salt-tolerant plants are of immense importance to increase crop productivity. In recent years, tissue culture based in vitro selection has emerged as a feasible and cost-effective tool for developing and/or screening salt tolerant germplasm.

The research study undertaken in Dr. Verma’s project involved assessment and development of salt tolerance in giant swamp taro and soft taro through in vitro, greenhouse, and field selection of tissue-culture raised plants. To establish aseptic cultures of collected taro germplasm, various in vitro experiments were performed. Different concentrations of sodium chloride were used for in vitro selection of salt tolerant germplasm. This in vitro selected germplasm was further evaluated for salt tolerance in the greenhouse, and was finally field evaluated at eight sites in four replications. In vitro selected germplasm of salt tolerant taros performed very well at coastal sites. Results based on various physiological and morphological parameters collected during this research are presented in international conferences, and a manuscript is under preparation to be published in peer-reviewed and reputed scientific journals.

The cultivation of the developed salt tolerant taro varieties in the Micronesian region through this research project would not only lead to the successful production of taro but would also contribute for the food and nutritional security of the region, and thereby, play a critical role in the preservation of traditional socio-cultural life of the Micronesian people.

In vitro cultures of salt tolerant soft taro.
In vitro cultures of salt tolerant soft taro.
Salt tolerant soft taros in field for evaluation.
Salt tolerant soft taros in field for evaluation.

 

In vitro cultures of salt tolerant giant swamp taro.
In vitro cultures of salt tolerant giant swamp taro.
Salt tolerant giant swamp taros in field for evaluation.
Salt tolerant giant swamp taros in field for evaluation.

High efficiency micropropagation of pineapple for mass-scale elite seedling production

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station

Pineapple Micropropagation and Commercial Cultivation to Enhance Productivity in Micronesia, is a multi-state research project approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) for the Micronesian region. The project director of this project, Dr. Virendra M. Verma, shared that this project focuses on enhancing pineapple production in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) because non-availability of disease-free and elite seedlings, shortage of trained agricultural professionals, and limited acquaintance of farmers with commercial cultivation techniques have significantly restricted pineapple production in the Micronesian region. The ultimate aim of this project is to create opportunities of income generation for local farmers through providing a means of sustainable commercial pineapple cultivation, and thereby, improve food self-sufficiency, and nutritional security in the Micronesian region.

This project is of great significance as it is specifically designed to optimize micropropagation protocol and nursery management systems to produce elite and disease-free pineapple seedlings in bulk quantities in the Micronesian region. The project utilized biotechnological techniques for micropropagation and greenhouse acclimatization of tissue-cultured plants. The project activities also include educating local farmers in sustainable agriculture practices, and providing appropriate recommendations and training for commercial pineapple production.

The pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merrill), a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries, is the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family. The project involved undertaking a research study to develop an economically feasible, efficient, rapid and reproducible multiplication protocol for two local commercially important pineapple cultivars (Ananas comosus cv. Kosraean and Ananas comosus cv. Hawaiian). A highly efficient in vitro multiplication method for both cultivars was developed by using apical and lateral meristems. Murashige and Skoog, 1962 medium (MS) was used throughout the study. The cultures were initiated on MS medium augmented with various combinations and concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The medium augmented with 4.5µM BAP and 2µM NAA proved best for culture establishment. For further growth and subsequent multiplication, established cultures were first transferred on MS medium augmented with 9µM BAP and 3.5µM NAA, and later on the MS medium without any growth regulators. The number of multiple shoots produced from each explant after two subcultures varied from 18 to 35. A 16-h photoperiod with a temperature of 25oC day and night, light intensity of 80µmol m-2 s-1, and 60% relative humidity were maintained for multiplication. Many micropropagated shoots formed roots while they were still on the multiplication medium. However, maximum rooting was observed on MS medium augmented with 0.5µM NAA and 0.5µM BAP. Rooted plants were transferred to soil: compost (10:1, v/v) mixture in pots and acclimatized with 93% survival rate. Hundreds of fully acclimatized, tissue-culture produced pineapple plants are ready to be planted in the field.

Successful implementation of this project has resulted in the development of a high efficiency micropropagation method for mass production of elite, diseases-free seedlings, and acclimatization of hundreds of tissue-culture raised plants of selected pineapple varieties through appropriate nursery management systems. Preparation has been started for designing, implementing and conducting research trials for commercial pineapple cultivation at multiple sites as well as for collecting data for analysis, and the development and publication of a commercial pineapple cultivation guide to specifically suit the needs of local farmers. Recommendations will be provided for sustainable pineapple production through training workshops, hands-on trainings, farm visits, and field days. Three pilot sites in the Micronesian region, specifically in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) will be developed as demonstration sites to carry out research, extension, and education activities of the project to encourage and promote sustainable commercial pineapple production among local farmers in the region.

Acclimatization of pineapple plantlets in greenhouse
Acclimatization of pineapple plantlets in greenhouse.
Acclimatized pineapple plants in nursery.
Acclimatized pineapple plants in nursery.

 

Acclimatized pineapple plants ready for field transfer.
Acclimatized pineapple plants ready for field transfer.

 

 

 

USDA-NIFA approved second multi-state/site research project on pineapple for Micronesia

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

Tissue cultured pineapple plants.
Tissue cultured pineapple plants.

The United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) has approved another multi-state/site research project for Micronesian region. The project entitled: Pineapple Micropropagation and Commercial Cultivation to Enhance Productivity in Micronesia, is the second multi-state/site research project initiated after recent recommendations from the College of Micronesia’s Board of Regents. The project director of this project Dr. Virendra M. Verma shared that this project aims to enhance pineapple production in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) through micropropagation and commercial cultivation. Non-availability of disease-free and elite seedlings, shortage of trained agricultural professionals, and limited acquaintance of farmers with commercial cultivation techniques have significantly restricted pineapple production in Micronesia. This project aims to enhance pineapple production to improve food self-sufficiency, nutritional security, and provide means of income generation in Micronesia.

This project is of great significance as it is specifically designed to optimize micropropagation and nursery management systems to produce elite and disease-free pineapple seedlings in bulk quantities, provide appropriate recommendations and adequate opportunities to educate and train local farmers in sustainable and commercial pineapple production. Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merrill), the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family, is one of the most important horticultural crop in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In Micronesia, pineapple is a desirable fruit in traditional feasts. The crop also has great potential for export. Mainly grown for fresh and canned fruit and juice, pineapple is the only source of bromelain enzyme that is used in pharmaceuticals and as a meat-tenderizing agent. The fresh fruit is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 and copper, and a very good source of vitamin C and manganese.

To overcome the limitations affecting pineapple production in Micronesia, the project activities include: Collection of pineapple germplasm of local cultivars and establish in vitro cultures of collected germplasm; refinement of micropropagation protocol for multiplication of collected pineapple germplasm; optimization of acclimatization and nursery management systems to produce elite seedlings for commercial pineapple cultivation; designing, implementing and conducting research trials for commercial pineapple cultivation at multiple sites and collection of data for analysis; and development and publication of commercial pineapple cultivation guide to specifically suit the needs of local farmers. Recommendations will be provided for sustainable pineapple production through training workshops, hands-on trainings, farm visits, and field days. Two pilot sites in Micronesia i.e., one each at the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) will be developed as demonstration sites for research, extension, and education activities of the project aiming to promote commercial pineapple production.

The extension and outreach activities will develop positive attitudes, zeal for learning sustainable cultivation techniques and farming aspects of pineapple, and will change the behavior of the participating farmers. Participants of extension and outreach activities will be guided to adopt recommended techniques and start commercial pineapple production farms. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop sustainable commercial pineapple production systems in Micronesia through providing elite, disease-free pineapple seedlings and by providing training to local farmers to improve their knowledge and skills for sustainable, commercial pineapple production.

USDA-NIFA Approved First Multi-State/Site Research Project on Black Pepper for Micronesia

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

Tissue-cultured black pepper plants in the lab.
Tissue-cultured black pepper plants in the lab.

The United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) approved multi-state/site research project on black pepper for Micronesia entitled Micropropagation for elite seedling production: Comparison of local practices and commercial cultivation methods. This is the first multi-state/site research project initiated after recent recommendation from the College of Micronesia’s Board of Regents. The project director of this project Dr. Virendra M. Verma shared that this project aims towards developing sustainable black pepper production in Micronesia by providing elite and disease-free seedlings, appropriate recommendations for commercial production, and developing skills and improving knowledge of local farmers about black pepper cultivation.

The project is of great significance as non-availability of disease-free and elite seedlings, shortage of trained agricultural professionals, and limited skills of farmers for commercial production have caused serious decline in black pepper production in Micronesia. Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) belongs to the family Piperaceae. It is a universal table condiment used to flavor all types of cuisines worldwide and is known to stimulate metabolism, aid absorption of nutrients, and boost the efficacy of drugs. This project is specifically designed to develop micropropagation and nursery management systems to produce elite, disease-free seedlings in bulk quantities, and provide appropriate recommendations and adequate opportunities to educate and train local farmers in sustainable commercial black pepper production.

Raw pepper corns on the plant.
Raw pepper corns on the plant.

The project activities include: Collection of black pepper germplasm and establishment of in vitro cultures of collected germplasm; development of efficient micropropagation protocols for the multiplication of collected germplasm, development of acclimatization and nursery management systems to produce elite seedlings for commercial cultivation; designing comparative study of local practices and commercial cultivation methods; implement and conduct research trials at multiple sites and collect data for analysis; development and publication of commercial black pepper cultivation guide; and providing recommendations for sustainable black pepper production.

The extension and outreach activities will develop positive attitudes, zeal for learning sustainable cultivation techniques and farming aspects of black pepper, and will change the behavior of the participating farmers. Production of elite and disease-free black pepper seedlings will increase. Participants of extension and outreach activities will be guided to adopt recommended techniques and start commercial black pepper production farms. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop sustainable commercial black pepper production systems in Micronesia through providing elite, disease-free black pepper seedlings in bulk quantities and by improving knowledge and developing skills of local farmers about black pepper micropropagation, acclimatization and nursery management systems.

Assessment of salt tolerance in taro and sweet potato: in vitro selection, greenhouse and field evaluation

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher/Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station. 

Salinity, an abiotic stress that combines elements of water deficiency and sodium toxicity is among the most serious and widespread of agricultural problems on islands resulting in lost crop yield and arable land. Therefore, the efforts to develop salt-tolerant plants are of immense importance to increase crop productivity. In recent years, tissue culture based in vitro selection has emerged as a feasible and cost-effective tool for developing salt tolerant plants. Sweet potato and taro are most important staple food crops in the Pacific Region for local consumption as well as for export. These crops contribute significantly to the socio-economics and provide livelihood to almost all island people and thus are crucial for ensuring nutritional and economic security. Both sweet potato and taro are placed on high agricultural priority but limitations in availability of salt tolerant germplasm, and disease-free and elite seedlings, is a major bottleneck in production. Therefore, the study is being undertaken for assessment of salt tolerance in taro and sweet potato through in vitro selection, followed by greenhouse and field evaluation. To establish aseptic cultures for collected germplasm of taro and sweet potato, various experiments were performed. Different concentrations of sodium chloride were used for in vitro selection of salt tolerant germplasm. This in vitro selected germplasm was further evaluated for salt tolerance in the greenhouse and finally was field evaluated at various sites in four replications. Some varieties of taro and sweet potato performed very well at coastal sites. Results based on various physiological and morphological parameters collected during the research.

Tissue culture sweet potato.
Tissue culture sweet potato.
Tissue culture taro.
Tissue culture taro.