Dion Daniels - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dion Daniels

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the in vitro shoot handlings of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) and Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott during multiplication stage

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Somatic Embryogenesis in Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Methods in molecular biology, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic transformation via Agrobacterium tumefaciens in embryogenic cell suspensions of the plantain hybrid cultivar FHIA 21 (AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumptio... more The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumption on a world-wide scale. Genetic transformation constitutes one alternative for genetic improvement and has complemented traditional techniques. In this work some parameters of genetic transformation of plantain were studied by means of transient expression of â-glucoronidase in the hybrid cultivar FHIA-21(AAAB) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A study with the β-Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AT-2260 and EHA-105, both with the plasmid pCAMBIA-3301 was done. A comparison between the time of infection and time of co-culture was studied. The strain of better behavior was EHA-105. In the study of the time of infection and co-culture, the best combination resulted to be the one with two hours of infection and six days of co-culture. Key words: At-2260, EHA-105, β-glucoronidase, Musa

Research paper thumbnail of Transcient expression of â-glucuronidasa on cells suspensión from the hybrid plantain cultivar 'FHIA-21' (AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expr... more This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expression of the enzyme â-glucuronidase in cell suspensions of the plantain hybrid cultivar 'FHIA-21' (Musa sp. AAAB). Studies were done with three distances and four pressures. Results of this experiment revealed the importance of the distance and pressure of bombardment, with the most effective being 12 cm and 140 psi respectively with statistical difference to the other treatments. Different plasmid constructs were also studied and it was demonstrated that they didn't have the same tendencies. The plasmid constructs under the control of the maize polyubiquitin promoter showed better efficiencies than the CaMV 35S promoter. The biological factor is also of great importance. The physiological age of the cell suspensions confirmed its fundamental role in transformation efficiencies with the best results obtained when cell suspensions of five to ten days after subculture were use...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Four Different Capping Systems in the Micropropagation of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) Variety B79-474

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of Neodymium and Ceramic magnets on the germination and growth rate of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) in ex-vitro conditions

International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Plant regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis in the hybrid cultivar FHIA-21 (Musa sp. AAAB group)

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 2002

1Ministry of Banana and Citrus Industries, Belmopan City, Belize CA 2Institute of Plant Biotechno... more 1Ministry of Banana and Citrus Industries, Belmopan City, Belize CA 2Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Central University of Las Villas, Carretera a Camajuanı Km. 5 1/2, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba ... (Received 24 July 2001; accepted 4 February 2002; editor CL ...

Research paper thumbnail of Trueness-To-Type and Yield Components of the Banana Hybrid Cultivar FHIA-18 Plants Regenerated Via Somatic Embryogenesis in a Bioreactor

Euphytica, 2006

A population of 1,500 plants of the banana hybrid 'FHIA-18' (AAAB), regenerated from so... more A population of 1,500 plants of the banana hybrid 'FHIA-18' (AAAB), regenerated from somatic embryos, which were multiplied in bioreactors, showed similar characteristics to plants propagated from shoot tip cultures both in the acclimatization stage and in field experiments carried ...

Research paper thumbnail of African Journal of Biotechnology Effects of different culture conditions (photoautotrophic, photomixotrophic) and the auxin indole-butyric acid on the in vitro acclimatization of papaya (Carica papaya L. var. Red Maradol) plants using zeolite as support

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of VIUSID-Agro on the conversion of somatic embryos of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cv. Red Caturra rojo-884

African Journal of Biotechnology

A critical factor in the in vitro propagation protocol via somatic embryogenesis of coffee is the... more A critical factor in the in vitro propagation protocol via somatic embryogenesis of coffee is the survival and growth of plants under ex vitro conditions. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of VIUSID Agro™ during the conversion of somatic embryos of coffee cv. Red Caturra rojo-884 in semicontrolled culture conditions. Two solutions (0.5 and 0.8 mL L-1) of the biostimulant were evaluated on in vitro plant. Applications were done twice daily for the first three days and thereafter once a day from day 7 to 90 days after transplanting. Survival rate at 15 days and morpho-physiological characteristics at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting were evaluated. All treatments with VIUSID-Agro™ and the control resulted in 100% survival. The concentration of 0.5 mL L-1 of VIUSID-Agro™ registered the better results in morpho-physiological variables. These results constitute the first report of the use of VIUSID Agro™ on in vitro plant of coffee during acclimatization phase.

Research paper thumbnail of Novel explant for somatic embryogenesis in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Mohen (Versión electrónica)

This work was carried out with the objective to form somatic embryos of sorghum, cv. 'CIAP 13... more This work was carried out with the objective to form somatic embryos of sorghum, cv. 'CIAP 132R-05' starting from callus obtained from sections of in vitro shoots. For the formation of callus, different concentrations of 2,4-D were studied as well as three concentrations of ascorbic acid to eliminate the phenolic oxidation. To increase the percentage of callus formation with embryogenic structures, different segments of the shoots were used. For the formation of somatic embryos, different concentrations of 2,4-D; 6-BAP and L-Proline were added to the culture media. The greatest callus formation (50%) was obtained in the culture medium with 18.1 µM of 2,4-D. When 50 mg l-1 of ascorbic acid was added to the culture medium, the percentage of callus formation increased to 67.5%, and was couple with absence of oxidation of the medium and the explant. The frequency of callus formation with embryogenic structures increased to 95% with the use of segment 1 of the shoot sections in v...

Research paper thumbnail of Morphological and physiological responses of tara (Caesalpinia spinosa (Mol.) O. Kuntz) microshoots to ventilation and sucrose treatments

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant, 2020

One of the main problems of in vitro plant tissue culture is the poor ventilation in the culture ... more One of the main problems of in vitro plant tissue culture is the poor ventilation in the culture vessels. This leads to morphological and physiological anomalies in regenerated in vitro plants, a crucial issue in woody species, such as Caesalpinia spinosa (Mol.) O. Kuntz, which is a legominous tree or thorny shrub of the Andes, adequate photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic in vitro rooting systems could eliminate these problems. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic treatments to optimize the in vitro rooting of C. spinosa microshoots. Micropropagated shoots were cultured in vessels sealed with a polypropylene lid with 0, 1, or 3 ventilation holes covered with a 0.45-μm adhesive polypropylene microfilter. The vessels contained MS salts with or without 30 g L−1 sucrose or, alternatively, a porous substrate (PRO-MIX®), which facilitated rooting and produced greater fresh and dry weights, a higher concentration of photosynthe...

Research paper thumbnail of Expresión transitoria de la â-glucuronidasa en suspensiones celulares del cultivar híbrido de plátano ‘FHIA-21’ (AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expr... more This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expression of the enzyme â-glucuronidase in cell suspensions of the plantain hybrid cultivar ‘FHIA-21’ ( Musa sp. AAAB). Studies were done with three distances and four pressures. Results of this experiment revealed the importance of the distance and pressure of bombardment, with the most effective being 12 cm and 140 psi respectively with statistical difference to the other treatments. Different plasmid constructs were also studied and it was demonstrated that they didn’t have the same tendencies. The plasmid constructs under the control of the maize polyubiquitin promoter showed better efficiencies than the CaMV 35S promoter. The biological factor is also of great importance. The physiological age of the cell suspensions confirmed its fundamental role in transformation efficiencies with the best results obtained when cell suspensions of five to ten days after subculture were used. Key word...

Research paper thumbnail of Transformación genética mediada por Agrobacterium tumefaciens de suspensiones celulares embriogénicas del cultivar híbrido de plátano FHIA 21(AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumptio... more The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumption on a world-wide scale. Genetic transformation constitutes one alternative for genetic improvement and has complemented traditional techniques. In this work some parameters of genetic transformation of plantain were studied by means of transient expression of â-glucoronidase in the hybrid cultivar FHIA-21(AAAB) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A study with the β -Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AT-2260 and EHA-105, both with the plasmid pCAMBIA-3301 was done. A comparison between the time of infection and time of co-culture was studied. The strain of better behavior was EHA-105. In the study of the time of infection and co-culture, the best combination resulted to be the one with two hours of infection and six days of co-culture. Key words: At-2260, EHA-105, β -glucoronidase , Musa

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing the Protocol for Efficient Sugarcane (Saccharumofficinarum) Micropropagation using the BioMINT Temporary Immersion System in the Variety B79-474

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a cultivated crop in Belize which is used as food source and helps ... more Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a cultivated crop in Belize which is used as food source and helps generate income especially for rural areas. The variety B79-474 is the most dominant due to its robustness. In this study, the BioMINT temporary immersion system (TIS) was used to enhance the protocol for efficient sugarcane micropropagation. Sugarcane plants were micropropagated using the BioMINT TIS to determine the appropriate subculture interval for the variety B79-474. The subculture intervals studied were 30, 45 and 60 days. After the time interval, parameters such as average plant height, survival rate, dry weight and multiplication coefficient were used to determine the appropriate subculture interval. The best results from the subculture intervals proved to be 45 days based on the parameters evaluated. Different volumes of culture media were also tested. These included 300 mL, 400 mL and 500 mL. In the parameters evaluated and most crucial in the multiplication phase, the best r...

Research paper thumbnail of Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf of the interspecific hybrid of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King × S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq.)

Trees, 2021

A protocol for somatic embryogenesis here described, open the possibility for the clonal propagat... more A protocol for somatic embryogenesis here described, open the possibility for the clonal propagation of selected trees of the natural hybrid of mahogany Swietenia macrophylla King × S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq. Young leaves were collected from greenhouse plants cloned from epicormic shoots of a 35-year-old interspecific hybrid of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King × S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq.) tree. All explants formed calli when cultured on a medium containing Murashige and Skoog salts, 3% sucrose (Lobachemie), 0.3% Phytagel (Sigma) and 4.52 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and regardless of the concentration of kinetin used (4.65, 9.29 or 13.94 µM). After 3 months, the calli were separated from the leaf segments and subcultured on differentiation medium. The greatest number of calli (38–40%) forming somatic embryos, after 6 months of culture, was obtained on the differentiation media containing 4.44 or 6.66 µM benzyladenine (BA). Secondary or repetitive somatic embryogenesis was achieve...

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic Transformation of the Banana Hybrid Cultivar __ampersandsignlsquo;FHIA-18__ampersandsignrsquo; (Musa sp.) via Particle Bombardment using Argon Gas

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are extremely essential and important for about 400 million peo... more Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are extremely essential and important for about 400 million people in many developing countries across the world. In the Caribbean, both bananas and plantains are grown, but the banana cultivars are the most exported. Agriculture plays an important role in Belize's economy and remains a major driver for the economy's growth. The banana industry is the third export crop of Belize behind sugar cane and citrus and provides a significant base for employment and income generation in Belize. This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence the transient expression of the enzyme β-glucuronidase in cell suspensions of the banana hybrid cultivar 'FHIA-18' (Musa sp. AAAB). Studies were done with three distances and four pressures using a low pressure gene gun with argon gas. Results of this experiment revealed the importance of the distance and pressure of bombardment, with the most effective, being 9 cm and 140 psi respectively with significant difference to the other treatments. Different plasmid constructs were also studied and those under the control of the maize polyubiquitin promoter showed higher efficiencies than the CaMV 35S promoter. Biological factors are also of great importance and the physiological age of the cell suspensions confirmed its fundamental role in transformation efficiencies with the best results obtained when cell suspensions collected between 5 and 10 days after the last subculture were used. PCR and Southern blot analyses confirmed the presence of the transgene into the plant genome.

Research paper thumbnail of Efecto del manejo a brotes in vitro de Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott y Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott durante la fase de multiplicación

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2018

To solve the limited in vitro multiplication coefficients in taro ( Xanthosoma and Colocasia ) se... more To solve the limited in vitro multiplication coefficients in taro ( Xanthosoma and Colocasia ) several strategies are used. This work was carried out with the aim of to determine the effect of the in vitro management of shoots of both species of taro that allows to increase the multiplication coefficient in order to develop a simple method of in vitro propagation of this crop. Four cultivars of Xanthosoma ('Mexico 1', 'Mexico 8', 'Yellow Special', 'Selection INIVIT') and the cultivar 'Cameroon 14' of C. esculenta were used in the multiplication phase. The treatments included variants of decapitation and cut of the shoots. After 25 days of culture, the number of shoots per explant was quantified and the fresh mass was determined. The best results were achieved with treatments 6 (Decapitated 75% of the shoot and cut in the apical bud) and 7 (Decapitated 75% of the shoot, longitudinal cut and bevel of the apical bud) in all cultivars. The multipl...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Phloroglucinol on in Vitro Rooting of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. cv C90-469)

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Different Paclobutrazol-Cultar Concentrations on the Micropropagation of Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum) Variety CPCL99-4455

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), being an important cash crop in Belize, accounts for 60% of ag... more Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), being an important cash crop in Belize, accounts for 60% of agricultural exports providing employment for thousands of Belizeans. This research was carried out to determine the effects of different Paclobutrazol (PBZ-Cultar) concentrations used in the culture media on in vitro multiplication of sugarcane variety CPCL99-4455. Three PBZ-Cultar concentrations were tested and compared with the control. The parameters evaluated to determine the effects of PBZ-Cultar were average height, number of dead leaves and multiplication coefficient. The plants from this experiment were planted in the acclimatization phase to determine if the use of PBZ-Cultar had any effect of the growth and development of the plants ex vitro. The results revealed that the culture medium supplemented with 0.08% PBZ-Cultar concentration had the best results both in the multiplication phase as well as the acclimatization phase.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the in vitro shoot handlings of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) and Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott during multiplication stage

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Somatic Embryogenesis in Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Methods in molecular biology, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic transformation via Agrobacterium tumefaciens in embryogenic cell suspensions of the plantain hybrid cultivar FHIA 21 (AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumptio... more The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumption on a world-wide scale. Genetic transformation constitutes one alternative for genetic improvement and has complemented traditional techniques. In this work some parameters of genetic transformation of plantain were studied by means of transient expression of â-glucoronidase in the hybrid cultivar FHIA-21(AAAB) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A study with the β-Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AT-2260 and EHA-105, both with the plasmid pCAMBIA-3301 was done. A comparison between the time of infection and time of co-culture was studied. The strain of better behavior was EHA-105. In the study of the time of infection and co-culture, the best combination resulted to be the one with two hours of infection and six days of co-culture. Key words: At-2260, EHA-105, β-glucoronidase, Musa

Research paper thumbnail of Transcient expression of â-glucuronidasa on cells suspensión from the hybrid plantain cultivar 'FHIA-21' (AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expr... more This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expression of the enzyme â-glucuronidase in cell suspensions of the plantain hybrid cultivar 'FHIA-21' (Musa sp. AAAB). Studies were done with three distances and four pressures. Results of this experiment revealed the importance of the distance and pressure of bombardment, with the most effective being 12 cm and 140 psi respectively with statistical difference to the other treatments. Different plasmid constructs were also studied and it was demonstrated that they didn't have the same tendencies. The plasmid constructs under the control of the maize polyubiquitin promoter showed better efficiencies than the CaMV 35S promoter. The biological factor is also of great importance. The physiological age of the cell suspensions confirmed its fundamental role in transformation efficiencies with the best results obtained when cell suspensions of five to ten days after subculture were use...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Four Different Capping Systems in the Micropropagation of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) Variety B79-474

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of Neodymium and Ceramic magnets on the germination and growth rate of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) in ex-vitro conditions

International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Plant regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis in the hybrid cultivar FHIA-21 (Musa sp. AAAB group)

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 2002

1Ministry of Banana and Citrus Industries, Belmopan City, Belize CA 2Institute of Plant Biotechno... more 1Ministry of Banana and Citrus Industries, Belmopan City, Belize CA 2Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Central University of Las Villas, Carretera a Camajuanı Km. 5 1/2, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba ... (Received 24 July 2001; accepted 4 February 2002; editor CL ...

Research paper thumbnail of Trueness-To-Type and Yield Components of the Banana Hybrid Cultivar FHIA-18 Plants Regenerated Via Somatic Embryogenesis in a Bioreactor

Euphytica, 2006

A population of 1,500 plants of the banana hybrid 'FHIA-18' (AAAB), regenerated from so... more A population of 1,500 plants of the banana hybrid 'FHIA-18' (AAAB), regenerated from somatic embryos, which were multiplied in bioreactors, showed similar characteristics to plants propagated from shoot tip cultures both in the acclimatization stage and in field experiments carried ...

Research paper thumbnail of African Journal of Biotechnology Effects of different culture conditions (photoautotrophic, photomixotrophic) and the auxin indole-butyric acid on the in vitro acclimatization of papaya (Carica papaya L. var. Red Maradol) plants using zeolite as support

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of VIUSID-Agro on the conversion of somatic embryos of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cv. Red Caturra rojo-884

African Journal of Biotechnology

A critical factor in the in vitro propagation protocol via somatic embryogenesis of coffee is the... more A critical factor in the in vitro propagation protocol via somatic embryogenesis of coffee is the survival and growth of plants under ex vitro conditions. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of VIUSID Agro™ during the conversion of somatic embryos of coffee cv. Red Caturra rojo-884 in semicontrolled culture conditions. Two solutions (0.5 and 0.8 mL L-1) of the biostimulant were evaluated on in vitro plant. Applications were done twice daily for the first three days and thereafter once a day from day 7 to 90 days after transplanting. Survival rate at 15 days and morpho-physiological characteristics at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting were evaluated. All treatments with VIUSID-Agro™ and the control resulted in 100% survival. The concentration of 0.5 mL L-1 of VIUSID-Agro™ registered the better results in morpho-physiological variables. These results constitute the first report of the use of VIUSID Agro™ on in vitro plant of coffee during acclimatization phase.

Research paper thumbnail of Novel explant for somatic embryogenesis in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Mohen (Versión electrónica)

This work was carried out with the objective to form somatic embryos of sorghum, cv. 'CIAP 13... more This work was carried out with the objective to form somatic embryos of sorghum, cv. 'CIAP 132R-05' starting from callus obtained from sections of in vitro shoots. For the formation of callus, different concentrations of 2,4-D were studied as well as three concentrations of ascorbic acid to eliminate the phenolic oxidation. To increase the percentage of callus formation with embryogenic structures, different segments of the shoots were used. For the formation of somatic embryos, different concentrations of 2,4-D; 6-BAP and L-Proline were added to the culture media. The greatest callus formation (50%) was obtained in the culture medium with 18.1 µM of 2,4-D. When 50 mg l-1 of ascorbic acid was added to the culture medium, the percentage of callus formation increased to 67.5%, and was couple with absence of oxidation of the medium and the explant. The frequency of callus formation with embryogenic structures increased to 95% with the use of segment 1 of the shoot sections in v...

Research paper thumbnail of Morphological and physiological responses of tara (Caesalpinia spinosa (Mol.) O. Kuntz) microshoots to ventilation and sucrose treatments

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant, 2020

One of the main problems of in vitro plant tissue culture is the poor ventilation in the culture ... more One of the main problems of in vitro plant tissue culture is the poor ventilation in the culture vessels. This leads to morphological and physiological anomalies in regenerated in vitro plants, a crucial issue in woody species, such as Caesalpinia spinosa (Mol.) O. Kuntz, which is a legominous tree or thorny shrub of the Andes, adequate photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic in vitro rooting systems could eliminate these problems. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic treatments to optimize the in vitro rooting of C. spinosa microshoots. Micropropagated shoots were cultured in vessels sealed with a polypropylene lid with 0, 1, or 3 ventilation holes covered with a 0.45-μm adhesive polypropylene microfilter. The vessels contained MS salts with or without 30 g L−1 sucrose or, alternatively, a porous substrate (PRO-MIX®), which facilitated rooting and produced greater fresh and dry weights, a higher concentration of photosynthe...

Research paper thumbnail of Expresión transitoria de la â-glucuronidasa en suspensiones celulares del cultivar híbrido de plátano ‘FHIA-21’ (AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expr... more This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence transient expression of the enzyme â-glucuronidase in cell suspensions of the plantain hybrid cultivar ‘FHIA-21’ ( Musa sp. AAAB). Studies were done with three distances and four pressures. Results of this experiment revealed the importance of the distance and pressure of bombardment, with the most effective being 12 cm and 140 psi respectively with statistical difference to the other treatments. Different plasmid constructs were also studied and it was demonstrated that they didn’t have the same tendencies. The plasmid constructs under the control of the maize polyubiquitin promoter showed better efficiencies than the CaMV 35S promoter. The biological factor is also of great importance. The physiological age of the cell suspensions confirmed its fundamental role in transformation efficiencies with the best results obtained when cell suspensions of five to ten days after subculture were used. Key word...

Research paper thumbnail of Transformación genética mediada por Agrobacterium tumefaciens de suspensiones celulares embriogénicas del cultivar híbrido de plátano FHIA 21(AAAB)

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2002

The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumptio... more The genetic improvement of plantain and banana is of great importance for its level of consumption on a world-wide scale. Genetic transformation constitutes one alternative for genetic improvement and has complemented traditional techniques. In this work some parameters of genetic transformation of plantain were studied by means of transient expression of â-glucoronidase in the hybrid cultivar FHIA-21(AAAB) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A study with the β -Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AT-2260 and EHA-105, both with the plasmid pCAMBIA-3301 was done. A comparison between the time of infection and time of co-culture was studied. The strain of better behavior was EHA-105. In the study of the time of infection and co-culture, the best combination resulted to be the one with two hours of infection and six days of co-culture. Key words: At-2260, EHA-105, β -glucoronidase , Musa

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing the Protocol for Efficient Sugarcane (Saccharumofficinarum) Micropropagation using the BioMINT Temporary Immersion System in the Variety B79-474

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a cultivated crop in Belize which is used as food source and helps ... more Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a cultivated crop in Belize which is used as food source and helps generate income especially for rural areas. The variety B79-474 is the most dominant due to its robustness. In this study, the BioMINT temporary immersion system (TIS) was used to enhance the protocol for efficient sugarcane micropropagation. Sugarcane plants were micropropagated using the BioMINT TIS to determine the appropriate subculture interval for the variety B79-474. The subculture intervals studied were 30, 45 and 60 days. After the time interval, parameters such as average plant height, survival rate, dry weight and multiplication coefficient were used to determine the appropriate subculture interval. The best results from the subculture intervals proved to be 45 days based on the parameters evaluated. Different volumes of culture media were also tested. These included 300 mL, 400 mL and 500 mL. In the parameters evaluated and most crucial in the multiplication phase, the best r...

Research paper thumbnail of Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf of the interspecific hybrid of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King × S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq.)

Trees, 2021

A protocol for somatic embryogenesis here described, open the possibility for the clonal propagat... more A protocol for somatic embryogenesis here described, open the possibility for the clonal propagation of selected trees of the natural hybrid of mahogany Swietenia macrophylla King × S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq. Young leaves were collected from greenhouse plants cloned from epicormic shoots of a 35-year-old interspecific hybrid of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King × S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq.) tree. All explants formed calli when cultured on a medium containing Murashige and Skoog salts, 3% sucrose (Lobachemie), 0.3% Phytagel (Sigma) and 4.52 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and regardless of the concentration of kinetin used (4.65, 9.29 or 13.94 µM). After 3 months, the calli were separated from the leaf segments and subcultured on differentiation medium. The greatest number of calli (38–40%) forming somatic embryos, after 6 months of culture, was obtained on the differentiation media containing 4.44 or 6.66 µM benzyladenine (BA). Secondary or repetitive somatic embryogenesis was achieve...

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic Transformation of the Banana Hybrid Cultivar __ampersandsignlsquo;FHIA-18__ampersandsignrsquo; (Musa sp.) via Particle Bombardment using Argon Gas

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are extremely essential and important for about 400 million peo... more Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are extremely essential and important for about 400 million people in many developing countries across the world. In the Caribbean, both bananas and plantains are grown, but the banana cultivars are the most exported. Agriculture plays an important role in Belize's economy and remains a major driver for the economy's growth. The banana industry is the third export crop of Belize behind sugar cane and citrus and provides a significant base for employment and income generation in Belize. This work was carried out with the objective of studying parameters that influence the transient expression of the enzyme β-glucuronidase in cell suspensions of the banana hybrid cultivar 'FHIA-18' (Musa sp. AAAB). Studies were done with three distances and four pressures using a low pressure gene gun with argon gas. Results of this experiment revealed the importance of the distance and pressure of bombardment, with the most effective, being 9 cm and 140 psi respectively with significant difference to the other treatments. Different plasmid constructs were also studied and those under the control of the maize polyubiquitin promoter showed higher efficiencies than the CaMV 35S promoter. Biological factors are also of great importance and the physiological age of the cell suspensions confirmed its fundamental role in transformation efficiencies with the best results obtained when cell suspensions collected between 5 and 10 days after the last subculture were used. PCR and Southern blot analyses confirmed the presence of the transgene into the plant genome.

Research paper thumbnail of Efecto del manejo a brotes in vitro de Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott y Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott durante la fase de multiplicación

Biotecnología Vegetal, 2018

To solve the limited in vitro multiplication coefficients in taro ( Xanthosoma and Colocasia ) se... more To solve the limited in vitro multiplication coefficients in taro ( Xanthosoma and Colocasia ) several strategies are used. This work was carried out with the aim of to determine the effect of the in vitro management of shoots of both species of taro that allows to increase the multiplication coefficient in order to develop a simple method of in vitro propagation of this crop. Four cultivars of Xanthosoma ('Mexico 1', 'Mexico 8', 'Yellow Special', 'Selection INIVIT') and the cultivar 'Cameroon 14' of C. esculenta were used in the multiplication phase. The treatments included variants of decapitation and cut of the shoots. After 25 days of culture, the number of shoots per explant was quantified and the fresh mass was determined. The best results were achieved with treatments 6 (Decapitated 75% of the shoot and cut in the apical bud) and 7 (Decapitated 75% of the shoot, longitudinal cut and bevel of the apical bud) in all cultivars. The multipl...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Phloroglucinol on in Vitro Rooting of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. cv C90-469)

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Different Paclobutrazol-Cultar Concentrations on the Micropropagation of Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum) Variety CPCL99-4455

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), being an important cash crop in Belize, accounts for 60% of ag... more Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), being an important cash crop in Belize, accounts for 60% of agricultural exports providing employment for thousands of Belizeans. This research was carried out to determine the effects of different Paclobutrazol (PBZ-Cultar) concentrations used in the culture media on in vitro multiplication of sugarcane variety CPCL99-4455. Three PBZ-Cultar concentrations were tested and compared with the control. The parameters evaluated to determine the effects of PBZ-Cultar were average height, number of dead leaves and multiplication coefficient. The plants from this experiment were planted in the acclimatization phase to determine if the use of PBZ-Cultar had any effect of the growth and development of the plants ex vitro. The results revealed that the culture medium supplemented with 0.08% PBZ-Cultar concentration had the best results both in the multiplication phase as well as the acclimatization phase.