Encapsulation of pineapple micro shoots in alginate beads for temporary storage

Abstract

Micro shoots developed from the meristematic basal portion of the innermost leaves of pineapple [Ananus comosus (L.) Merr] were encapsulated in alginate beads for short-term storage as a prelude to the transformation programme. Among the four temperature regimes for storage, beads stored at 8 degrees C showed maximum percentage of shoot proliferation when placed again in MS medium; the rate of 'conversion' was satisfactory even beyond 45 days of incubation. The genetic fidelity of the pineapple plants growing out after storage in encapsulated form was ascertained by RAPD and ISSR techniques.