Articles
DEVELOPMENT OF A SEMI-AUTOMATED MICROPROPAGATION SYSTEM
Article number
230_7
Pages
81 – 88
Language
Abstract
A semi-automated micropropagation system was designed whereby shoot hedges could be grown in large, clear, autoclavable, polycarbonate containers(250×390 x120mm). Automatic addition and removal of liquid nutrients was controlled by peristaltic pumps and a programmable time clock.
An aeration port was added to the container to accommodate pressure changes and to facilitate gas exchange.
The container, tubing, and nutrient reservoirs could be autoclaved and all essential operations were carried out in a ‘clean’ room containing a laminar flow hepa-filtered work station.
Problems with sterility were encountered under normal laboratory conditions and a reduction in container size and cleaner room were necessary.
Shoot hedges of radiata pine and apple have been growing in separate large containers in the semi-automated system for 11 and 16 weeks to date, respectively.
It remains to be determined whether semi-automated systems such as this, other automated or robotic systems, or combinations of these will be cheap and reliable for commercial micropropagation.
An aeration port was added to the container to accommodate pressure changes and to facilitate gas exchange.
The container, tubing, and nutrient reservoirs could be autoclaved and all essential operations were carried out in a ‘clean’ room containing a laminar flow hepa-filtered work station.
Problems with sterility were encountered under normal laboratory conditions and a reduction in container size and cleaner room were necessary.
Shoot hedges of radiata pine and apple have been growing in separate large containers in the semi-automated system for 11 and 16 weeks to date, respectively.
It remains to be determined whether semi-automated systems such as this, other automated or robotic systems, or combinations of these will be cheap and reliable for commercial micropropagation.
Authors
J. Aitken-Christie, Helen E. Davies
Keywords
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