A Simple Bioreactor System for Production of Storage Organs of Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposita Thumb.)

Abstract

Storage organ of Dioscorea opposita was efficiently generated by using a drum type bioreactor. This reactor was not equipped with a system for mechanical aeration and explants were immersed intermittently into the medium on rotation. When explants precultured on a rotary shaker were transferred to the bioreactor, approx. 230 pieces of storable organs that could be bulbils or microtubers were generated after 5 weeks. These organs sprouted within a week and eventually grew intonormal plants.