Droplet-vitrification methods for apical bud cryopreservation of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. and Endl.) H. Rob.]

This study aimed to develop a cryopreservation protocol for the long-term preservation of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. and Endl.)], an Andean crop with high fructooligosaccharide content in its tuberous roots. Initially, was developed using clone originated from Ecuador classified as ECU 41. Osmotic dehydration apical buds (2–3 mm long) carried out by assessing two plant vitrification solutions, PVS2 (15, 30, 60 min) at 0 °C PVS3 (30, 45, 60, 75 22 °C. After cryopreservation, were thawed placed on MS medium ± 0.1 mg l−1 N6-benzyladenine (BA). The survival rates ranged 37 90% within all treatments, those subjected min showing highest without BA (87 90%, respectively). At 12 weeks post these treatments also provided regrowth rates, both reaching 73% normally growing (shooting, rooting) plantlets. Survival + reached up 90%; however, into rooted plantlets did not exceed 67% cryopreservation. optimized protocols then applied 4 additional clones Bolivia Peru, BOL 22, 23, PER 12, 14. resulted regeneration ranging between 79.7–94.1% 66.3–75.4% respectively. Our shows that optimal conservation can be based solutions. An efficient developed, ensuring shoot tip 94.1% subsequent 75.4% after