Evaluation of nutrient media prepared with low-cost materials for in vitro culture of portulaca grandiflora

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of nutrient media prepared with low-cost materials for in vitro culture of the Portulaca grandiflora plant (moss rose). The experiments were conducted in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University, Maracay campus. The methodology employed was experimental, with a trial-control group design. Four different nutrient media, formulated with inexpensive commercial fertilizers—Nitrofoska, Masterblend, and Nutriflora—were evaluated. The results showed that the medium with Nitrofoska was the most successful, promoting the formation of one shoot per explant in just ten days, comparable to the control treatment with more expensive salts. It was concluded that Nitrofoska, Centrum, coconut water, and corn starch can be viable substitutes for preparing culture media. These alternatives significantly reduce the costs of preparing the media.