Establishment of an acclimatization protocol for pepper (Piper nigrum L.) plantlets post-in vitro stage

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the factors that affect the growth and development of in vitro-derived pepper plantlets variety Vinh Linh in greenhouse. The results indicated that gradual adaptation of in vitro plantlets to ex vitro environment by placing enclosed plantlets-containing culture vessels in greenhouse for 2 weeks improved the survival and growth of pepper plantlets upon transfer to acclimatization substrate. The plantlets were required to reach the weight of 0.7-0.9 g before transplanting into nursery bags containing substrate that was red soil:cow dung:coconut husk:rice husk (5:2:2:1). Alternative application of NPK 0.2% and foliar fertilizer Nupe 0.2% every 2 weeks positively affected plant growth and the plants were ready for transplanting into the field after about 5 months. The research results establish an acclimatization protocol for pepper plantlets post-in vitro stage that helps to complete the protocol for pepper production using micropropagation method.