Title: A firm step towards water sustainability: Success in the potential irrigation effluent and cloning
Abstract:
In the face of the growing threat of climate change and water scarcity, the cloning of economic importance native species superior phenotypes emerges as a strategic tool. Using this technique, a uniform, efficient propagation is guaranteed, selecting individuals with a higher resilience to irrigation with treated effluents. This innovation allows wastewater to be transformed into a valuable resource for the restoration of degraded environments, since it provides essential nutrients, reduces water consumption and mainly prevents contamination of water bodies, at the same time it provides water and nutrients that contribute to increasing plant productivity. Our work has focused on developing a state-of-the-art protocol for the juvenile material micropropagation from species such as Neltuma alba and Handroanthus heptaphyllus.
To achieve this objective, a sampling of selected parent trees was carried out in the Humid and Dry Chaco Ecoregion in Argentina. From these trees, 2 cm long microstakes were extracted, each with a lateral bud. These were cultured in tubes with MS medium, supplemented with IBA and BAP in different concentrations, following protocols already established by Castillo de Meier et al. (1999), Castillo and Vega (2006a and b), Ribeiro Barboza et al. (2020), and Dalzotto et al. (2021). At 10 days after planting, the elongated buds were transferred to a basal medium with a pH adjusted to 5.8. Each treatment included a sample of 30 offspring, and each experiment was replicated three times. The data obtained were analyzed using a Completely Randomized Design, applying an ANOVA through the SAS Cary statistical package, NC.9.4 (2023).
In this first phase, more than 90% rooting was achieved in the clones derived from the selected phenotypes. Root emission began to be observed 12 days after subculture. The rooted in vitro stems developed between 3 and 4 roots, with a length of 15 to 25 mm. These clones were transplanted into 50 ml plastic pots with soil, irrigated with 2% captan and acclimatized under a polyethylene tunnel. Statistical analysis detected significant differences (p≤0.001) between treatments. Based on research conducted by Pastich Gonçalves (2019), Yovera Sullón (2022), and Calabroni et al. (2024), we are preparing for a crucial second stage: the implementation of effluent irrigation. These studies showed that the use of effluents reduces freshwater consumption and enriches the soil with vital nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This translates into more vigorous plant establishment and accelerated growth, with increases of 20-30% in height and diameter compared to those irrigated with mains water. In addition, the selected clones have demonstrated exceptional adaptability and remarkable nursery survival (less than 40% mortality), underlining their resilience and great potential. This synergy between advanced biotechnology and the principles of the circular economy represents more than just an idea; It is a concrete and scalable way to address the water crisis, restore degraded landscapes and forge more resilient and prosperous territories.