Effects of Salinity and Plant Growth Media on in Vitro Growth and Development of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta L.) Varieties

Taro Colocasia esculenta is a staple food in most countries of the South Pacific region. However, the recent changes in the climatic conditions and the associated factors became a threat to growing taro in the region. Rising sea level and frequent dry and wet conditions had led to increased soil salinity which is a limiting factor in producing taro in these atoll islands. The aim of this research was to screen selected taro varieties based on their ability to tolerate salinity conditions in Samoa. Effects of three salinity levels (0.2, 3% and 5%), and growth hormones Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) were examined on growth and development of in vitro grown taro varieties. Plant height, number of leaves, and number of roots produced were compared in the selected varieties. Results suggest that all varieties had callus induction and regeneration in MSO medium. Addition of BAP induced better growth and the plants produced higher number of leaves, while TDZ improved roots proliferation in C. esculenta. Solomon variety performed best in high salinity conditions. Samoa-1 grew taller and had more leaves and roots compared to Samoa-2 variety. Thus, we suggest Solomon and Samoa-1 could perform better in high-salinity conditions.