Crioconservación de plantas, estado actual de la investigación en Costa Rica

Abstract

In Costa Rica the development of cryopreservation research is recent. It started in 1990 with a project on bananas and plantains at the Agronomic Center for Research and Training (CATIE), followed by research on coffee, cocoa, pejibaye, and Pasteuria penetrans, a bacterium for biocontrol of nematodes. In 1995, the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (ITCR) initiated work on cryopreservation with a project on endangered species of orchids and chayote (pear squash). Methodologies used and results obtained are summarized. In addition, limiting factors contributing to the slow progress in this field of research and its lack of routine application in the country are discussed. Some recommendations are made. In Costa Rica, no collection is maintained under liquid nitrogen conditions; however, various national institutions are making efforts to establish long-term banks for native species of economical and ecological importance.