Uso de los residuos de cultivo in vitro de plantas como potencial fertilizante para Tomate riñón (Solanum lycopersicum) y Tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum)

Abstract

In vitro culture laboratories are key tools for the mass propagation of plants; however, they generate large amounts of waste rich in agar, nutrients, and growth regulators that, despite their agronomic potential, are typically discarded as biological waste. In response to this issue, the present study aims to evaluate the use of in vitro culture waste as a potential liquid fertilizer for kidney tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) To this end, agar waste from micropropagation processes was collected, treated, diluted, sterilized, and packaged to produce the liquid fertilizer. Subsequently, its composition was characterized using photometry, a technique that quantifies chemical compounds through absorbance measurement, and its effect on plants was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. The analysis revealed high concentrations of phosphorus, sulfur in the form of sulfates, manganese, and zinc compared to commercial fertilizers. Additionally, treated seeds and plants exhibited higher germination percentages, greater numbers of true leaves, uniform leaf growth, and improved root development. These results demonstrate the significant potential of in vitro culture waste as a sustainable alternative for plant nutrition, offering a viable and ecological option for agricultural waste management. Furthermore, the reuse of these wastes not only reduces their environmental impact but also contributes to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices.