Research demonstrates improved acclimatization rates for Cinchona spp., highlighting peat moss efficacy in sustainable practices.
Efforts to optimize ex vitro transfer techniques of un-rooted in vitro shoots of Cinchona spp. (Rubiaceae) a native tree of the andean forests, are crucial for promoting sustainable cultivation practices of this medicinal plant. Renowned for its historical significance and effectiveness in treating malaria and other ailments, the tree holds a prominent position in botanical research, food industry, and pharmaceutical applications due to its production of alkaloids such as quinine and quinidine. This study aimed to improve the acclimatization process of un-rooted in vitro shoots of Cinchona, facilitating their transplantation to field conditions for establishing a plantation in Colombia. The results revealed that compared to commercial available substrates (pH higher than 5.5), the utilization of peat moss substrate (pH lower than 4 and electric conductivity lower than 100 μS / cm-1) led to significantly higher survival rates (>87%) and improved growth outcomes. This underscores the efficacy of peat moss in facilitating the acclimatization process of ex vitro plants over a 12-week period, ensuring robust development and survival of the plants, which guarantees vigorous specimens for field plantation.
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Correa et al. (2025) studied this question.
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