Prospects of robotization of the procedure of microclonal propagation of plants

Abstract

The paper presents the results of analysis of tasks arising in microclonal propagation of plants in vitro and proposes means of robotization of the laboratory. A robotic cell was developed to perform the procedure of microcropping and planting of cuttings in nutrient medium.

Introduction.The procedure of microclonal propagation by in vitro microcutting requires a large amount of routine labor. An experienced laboratory technician can plant up to 700 microcuttings per shift. However, this work is very monotonous and, as a consequence, extremely tiring. In addition, fatigue makes people less attentive and they start making mistakes, which often lead to rejects – sterility violations and introduction of infections into the nutrient medium. As far back as 30 years ago, robotization of this procedure was sought. A number of known attempts at robotization have demonstrated the potential solvability of this problem, but have not led to the introduction of robotization tools in this industry, and until now these operations are still performed manually.

Object. Robotic complex for maintenance of the laboratory on microclonal propagation of plants.

Materials and methods. The research includes analyzing the requirements for robotization of a laboratory for microclonal plant propagation and developing a concept for robotization of such a laboratory.

Results and conclusions. As a result of the analysis, the needs for robotic equipment in the laboratory of microclonal plant propagation were determined and the main provisions for robotization of the laboratory were formulated.