November 05, 2025 | Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) |
At Universiti Sains Malaysia, researchers examined the factors that influence in vitro germination and early seedling development of Hylocereus costaricensis, a red-fleshed dragon fruit gaining commercial attention. Natural germination of this species is often slow and inconsistent because of its hard, impermeable seed coat. Tissue culture provides a controlled environment that can overcome these limitations and improve propagation efficiency.
The researchers assessed how support matrix composition, medium strength, and light quality affect germination rate, seedling growth, and biomass accumulation. Reducing the culture medium to half-strength MS enhanced early germination. Using 5 g/L agarose as the support matrix resulted in the highest germination percentage, fastest germination rate, and greatest seedling biomass after 30 days.
Light quality produced distinct physiological responses. Red light significantly increased germination rate and promoted higher chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, while white light produced more robust seedling growth and the highest porphyrin and carbohydrate content. Proline accumulation was greatest under red light.
Overall, the study identifies optimal conditions for improving dragon fruit seed germination and early growth in vitro, while also highlighting the need for further research on how light quality influences underlying biochemical and physiological pathways during seedling development.
