Oxidation and viability of Vanilla phaeantha explants exposed to ethylene during in vitro cultivation

Taciany Feitor Carvalho; Lislie Gomes dos Reis Pereira; Esthéfany Scalco Oliveira; Alexandra dos Santos Ambrósio; Antonio Rodrigues da Cunha Neto; Marisa Taniguchi; Michele Valquíria dos Reis; Breno Régis Santos

doi:10.18011/bioeng.2025.v19.1268

Authors

Taciany Feitor Carvalho Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas-MG, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0577-8738
Lislie Gomes dos Reis Pereira Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas-MG, Brazil
Esthéfany Scalco Oliveira School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas-MG, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3093-2140
Alexandra dos Santos Ambrósio Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas-MG, Brazil
Antonio Rodrigues da Cunha Neto Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas-MG, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7107-2755
Marisa Taniguchi Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras-MG, Brazil
Michele Valquíria dos Reis Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras-MG, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0379-2384
Breno Régis Santos Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas-MG, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18011/bioeng.2025.v19.1268

Keywords:

Orchid, MS culture medium, Floriculture, Conservation

Abstract

Vanilla phaeantha is a native species of Brazil with great potential for both the fragrance industry and ornamental cultivation. However, the propagation of this orchid through traditional methods is limited, making in vitro micropropagation a promising alternative. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro micropropagation of Vanilla phaeantha, with a focus on the effects of exogenous ethylene application on the viability and development of leaf and root explants. This research was carried out in June 2024, utilizing explants obtained from plants grown in the Federal University of Lavras' Botanical Garden. The explants underwent a disinfection process and were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with different ethylene concentrations (0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 ppm). The explants were cultivated under controlled temperature and continuous light. The results showed that, regardless of the explant type or ethylene concentration, all explants exhibited complete oxidation, with no callus formation, shoots, or roots. This suggests that the MS medium, although suitable for many plant species, may not be ideal for Vanilla phaeantha without modifications, such as the addition of antioxidants or other growth regulators. The study indicates that ethylene may not be beneficial for the in vitro propagation of Vanilla phaeantha, as its exogenous application seems to induce oxidative stress, hindering the regeneration of plant structures. In conclusion, further research is needed to optimize in vitro culture conditions, possibly focusing on alternative hormonal treatments and adjustments to the culture medium to improve the propagation success of this orchid species.

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