Efficiency-cost, micropropagation, bioreactors, temporary immersion systems

Abstract

Objective: to estimate the production price of strawberry “mother” plant of the CP-Jacona variety in both TIS and TS, and to compare these prices with the price of the imported “mother” plant. Design/Methodology/Approach: micropropagation methods have been used as an effective means for the mass production of pathogen-free plants, in small spaces and relatively short periods of time. In particular, in vitro Temporary Immersion Systems (TIS) applied to the production of strawberry “mother” plants have been shown to offer technological and quantitative benefits, as well as a higher proliferation rate, compared to the in vitro Traditional System (TS). Despite the benefits of TIS, these systems have not been evaluated in terms of the price at which the “mother” plant can be produced and whether it is a profitable option to supply strawberry producers. The traditional method of financial analysis was applied. Results: the price of the CP-Jacona variety plant obtained from the third production period through TIS was lower than the price of the imported Festival or Camarosa varieties. Findings/Conclusions: both the high production rate and the low rate of loss from handling in TIS were fundamental aspects to obtain lower prices than those of imported varieties.