The assumption of the project is the development and implementation of an efficient in vitro production technology of high-quality red-tailed rhubarb seedlings. Plants selected on plantations for high anthocyanin content will be tested for the presence of viruses, propagated by organogenesis of shoots from inguinal buds and rooting in vitro, acclimatized to ex vitro conditions in a greenhouse with a controlled microclimate and assessed in terms of genetic stability and performance characteristics (content quantitative and qualitative phenolic substances, including anthocyanins) and then grown on ecological plantations, where research and development will be carried out. In the next stage, the material will be sent to a processing plant.
The expected result of the project is the development of an innovative technology of in vitro reproduction of rhubarb, which will enable mass production of virus-free rhubarb seedlings with improved sensory, processing and health-promoting features. The possibility of wide access to the unique quality of rhubarb seedlings will increase the competitiveness of Polish plantations, will affect the size and quality of crops, and thus will increase the attractiveness of the obtained pro-health product for direct consumption and for the processing industry. Also, favorable conditions for the development of exports will be created. Many reports indicate a great demand on European markets for high-quality food without preservatives. As part of the project co-financed by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture, members of the EPI Bio-Food Roztocze Operational Group will establish close cooperation. The research results will be presented at scientific conferences, dissemination brochures and publications.
