Assessment of new yacon genotypes obtained via indirect somatic embryogenesis

B.Sc. Stacy Hammond

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Yacon Smallanthus sonchifolius (Asteraceae) is a perennial root crop originated in the Andean regions. It is cultivated for its edible tuberous roots that contain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) of inulin type with low caloric value. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphologically and chemically four new yacon genotypes obtained via indirect somatic embryogenesis within a previous research carried out by Viehmannova et al. (2014). They were classified as B8, E1, E9 and F5, and were derived from an octoploid plant classified as ECU 41, used as the control plant in this study. Twenty plants of each genotype and control were assessed under in vitro conditions after 28 days of cultivation. Plant height, number of leaf and number and length of roots were evaluated. Five plants from each genotype and control were transferred ex vitro. After acclimation in greenhouse, then were transplanted to the trial plots. At the end of the vegetation, number of nodes, leaves tuberous root production, weight of rhizomes, and content of FOS were evaluated. Significant differences among genotypes were found for some morphological characteristics and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) content in tuberous roots. Overall genotypes E1 and F5 provided the most promising results; they were better growing and produced more leaves in vitro. In field conditions they produced plants comparably high as control, with similar number of nodes and larger tuberous roots with significantly higher FOS content. On the contrary, genotypes B8 and E9 provided in most characteristics the lowest values of all genotypes. Surprisingly, all the genotypes produced rhizomes with higher weight than the control plant. Based on these results can be concluded that genotypes E1 and F5 demonstrated promising improvements when compared to the control plant and might be used for further breeding of yacon. Additional somaclonal variation was induced using the genotypes B8, E1, E9, F5 and the protocol by Viehmannova et al. (2014). Twelve new genetically variable somaclones were obtained (B8=2, E1=3, E9=4 and F5=3). Mass production of new somaclones followed by thorough selection might represent an effective tool for yacon breeding.

Keywords

fructooligosaccharides, in vitro cultures, plant morphology, Smallanthus sonchifolius, somaclonal variation

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 21. 4. 2016

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: Ing. Iva Viehmannová, Ph.D.

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Tropické zemědělství / Tropical Crop Management and Ecology