In vitro behavior of eleven ecotypes of oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol.) at the establishment stage

Abstract

The diversity of oca ecotypes is the source of food security for rural communities. Biotechnology techniques make it possible to obtain disease-free plant material and rejuvenate tuber seeds. In this regard, this research study determined the in vitro behavior of eleven oca ecotypes. The ecotypes used were Qhini, Chh'ismi, Muru Allqha, Sawasira, Sauciri, Sucrencia, Wathia, Chiwaku, Ulincate, Chh′iyara, and Waricaya from the Pasuja community in Camacho province. The research was conducted in the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Agricultural Engineering Department at Unibol Aymara “Tupak Katari,” where the characteristics of the seedlings were evaluated under in vitro conditions. Eleven ecotypes of oca were used in the sprouting stage to extract the buds from the tuber and establish them in vitro in test tubes with MS culture medium, agar agar, and carbohydrates, with evaluation performed three weeks after establishment. The analysis of variance was performed using the Infostat program (free version). The variables evaluated were survival rate, number of leaves, and plant height. The ecotypes that performed best were Sawasira, Muru allqha, Sucrencia, Wathia, Ulincate, Waricaya, and Chismi, which had the best characteristics in terms of plant height. The ecotypes that did not develop were Chiwaku, Qhini, and Saucira. The performance of the eleven ecotypes during the establishment stage differed in terms of height, number of leaves, and survival rate, as three ecotypes proved to be more susceptible to the disinfection process and failed to develop.