<i>In Vitro</i> Propagation Protocols and Variable Cost Comparison in Commercial Production for <i>Paulownia tomentosa</i> × <i>Paulownia fortunei</i> Hybrid as a Renewable Energy Source

• Main Authors: Mariusz Pożoga, Dawid Olewnicki, Lilianna Jabłońska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: <i>Paulownia</i>; <i>in vitro</i>; micropropagation; production cost; 6-benzylaminopurine
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/11/2272

In this elaboration, effective methods of <i>in vitro</i> propagation of a <i>Paulownia tomentosa</i> &#215; <i>Paulownia fortunei</i> hybrid are presented, and the variable costs of commercial production evaluated. Plant regeneration of the <i>P. tomentosa</i> &#215; <i>P. fortunei</i> hybrid was achieved through organogenesis in nodal explants. Different concentrations of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), 0.2, 0.5, 1 mg/L, and light conditions were investigated. The best results were obtained using a half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L BAP. In standard light conditions, 2 shoots were grown with 3.5 culturable nodes on each, and in 70% reduced light, 2 new shoots were grown with 6 culturable nodes on each. Rooting was successfully achieved when using a hormone-free half-strength MS medium containing vitamin, and 2% sucrose with 95% efficiency. Acclimatization and survival were shown to be 90% in regenerated plants. The cost of production of a single plant of <i>P. tomentosa</i> &#215; <i>P.fortunei</i> hybrid grown in standard light conditions was $0.084 and $0.082 when grown in 70% reduced light where only variable costs were considered. Two major factors affecting <i>P. tomentosa</i> &#215; <i>P fortunei</i> hybrid micropropagation is labor, materials and chemicals. Focusing on reducing this cost can highly lower plantlet price.