Priming and biopriming integrated into the sugarcane micropropagation technology by Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIBS)

For the first time both priming and biopriming approaches have been integrated into the sugarcane micropropagation technology by temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs). Sugarcane micropropagation in CO 2 -rich TIBs induces a mixotrophic condition adequate for the production of natural phenolic metabolites. Scaling up has been conducted in the C86-56 and C90-317 commercial genotypes. While phenolics demonstrate to act as priming molecules during the in vitro culture, vitroplantlets growing and shooting in the presence of phenolic metabolites display an enhanced vigour (measure as plant size), emitted functional roots and increase adaptability to the natural environment. Additionally, when combined with the inoculation of the endophytic Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus during transplanting, a significant improvement of the percentage of survival has been attached through this critical step. Altogether, results indicate a promising potential for diversification of the sugarcane micropropagation industry by the production of useful metabolites as byproducts.