Evaluation of Different Bioreactors During In Vitro Shoot Proliferation and Acclimatization of Agave (Agave marmorata Roezl)

Temporary Immersion Systems (TISs) are an efficient alternative for in vitro plant regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different culture methods on the in vitro shoot proliferation and acclimatization of agave (Agave marmorata Roezl). The culture methods compared were a recipient for automated temporary immersion (RITA®), a temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB), a SETIS™ bioreactor, and a semisolid medium control. After eight weeks of in vitro culture, the hyperhydricity of the explants, development variables, photosynthetic pigment content, stomatal density, and survival percentage during acclimatization were evaluated. The results showed that TISs significantly reduced explant hyperhydricity and increased the multiplication rate, number of shoots and leaves, number of roots per shoot, root length, carotenoid content, stomatal density, and percentage of closed stomata during in vitro shoot proliferation. Furthermore, TISs resulted in a higher number of leaves and roots and improved the survival percentage during acclimatization compared to the semisolid medium. Explants cultured in the SETIS™ bioreactor showed the highest photosynthetic pigment content. In conclusion, the evaluated TISs enhanced the physiological development of the explants, favoring the multiplication rate and survival percentage during the acclimatization of A. marmorata.