PPMTM, Kasumin® and calcium hypochlorite in the disinfestation and in vitro introduction of Nepenthes graciliflora and Dionaea muscipula

Abstract

Among the various genera of carnivorous plants, Nepenthes and Dionaea have gained prominence due to their greater
diversity and their allelopathic, biological, medicinal, and pharmaceutical potential. Vegetative propagation of these
genera offers advantages such as reduced production time, reproduction of important cultivars, and high multiplication
potential. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate disinfestation methods and in vitro introduction of these two genera to
enhance vegetative propagation. Nodal segments of Nepenthes graciliflora were used, testing three concentrations of
calcium hypochlorite (0.75, 1.0, and 2.0%) for disinfestation and the presence and absence of PPMTM (Plant Preservative
Mixture) in the nutritive medium. For Dionaea muscipula, rhizome sections were used, and we tested disinfection of donor
plants with Kasumin® and the presence or absence of PPMTM in the culture medium. For disinfestation of N. graciliflora,
PPMTM reduced the presence of microorganisms for up to 32 days of cultivation. Regarding calcium hypochlorite, a 2%
concentration is recommended, with new tests needed to reduce contamination. For disinfestation of D. muscipula rhizomes, PPMTM resulted in the lowest contamination level, while Kasumin® provided the lowest oxidation rate. The combination of PPMTM and Kasumin® resulted in 60% sprouting of D. muscipula explants.

Keywords: Micropropagation; Carnivorous plants; Plant Preservative Mixture.