Formulación de un medio de cultivo enriquecido con extractos de microalgas para el desarrollo y crecimiento de Cattleya híbrida con herramientas de diseño experimental

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of microalgae extracts as a nutrient source in in vitro culture media for the growth and development of orchids of the genus Cattleya. A 2³ factorial design was used to analyze the effect of the combination of algae extract and the growth hormones α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) on sprout, leaf, and root growth of Cattleya seedlings under controlled conditions. The results showed that the addition of algae extract together with NAA significantly promoted root development, while the combination of microalgae extract with NAA and BAP enhanced leaf length, demonstrating a positive interaction in growth. In contrast, no significant effects were observed on shoot length, which remained stable across treatments. The characterization of the microalgae extract showed an ash content of 15.1%, phosphorus content of 1.2%, and nitrogen content of 5%, confirming its richness in essential nutrients for plant development. These findings confirm that microalgae extracts can be used as sustainable biostimulants in in vitro cultures, improving the propagation efficiency of orchids and contributing to their conservation under controlled conditions.