Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a perennial grass which presents physicochemical and agronomic characteristics that highlights the importance of this species. From the roots of vetiver grass essential oil is extracted which is widely used for perfume production, and because of its low volatility it is used as fragrance fixer. We developed a protocol for in vitro propagation and conservation of vetiver grass. For the in vitro multiplication assay, combinations of the growth regulators BAP and NAA were tested. For acclimatization, substrates containing coconut coir and/or vermiculite, supplemented with limestone, NPK (3-12-6) fertilizer and the salts of MS medium were tested. In the in vitro conservation assays, we evaluated the temperatures of 18 and 25°C, osmotic regulators (sacarose, manitol and sorbitol), the growth inhibitor ABA, and different concentrations of MS salts. The accession UFS-VET003 can be micropropagated using MS liquid medium in the presence of 3.33 mg L-1 of BAP. Rooting can be obtained using MS liquid medium without growth regulators. Coconut coir dust can be used as substrate for the acclimatization of micropropagated plants. In vitro conservation is possible for a period of 270 days using semi-solid medium with 25% MS salt strength and temperature of 18ºC.
Chrysopogon zizanioides; micropropagation; acclimatization; substrates; tissue culture
