Micropropagation of the Blue Agave plant, begins with the collection of outstanding plants found in Casa Sauza fields. They are chosen based on their productivity and vigor and must be pests/diseases free (Some of the diseases include: Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Cercospora agavicola, Pectobacterium carotovora).
The plants that get chosen, are taken to Casa Sauza's facilities to get washed and disinfected. Afterwards, they are transferred -under controlled temperature- to Nature Source Improved Plants (NSIP) facilities in Tapachula, Chiapas.
Once the plants are in NSIP, they are kept for 3 to 6 months in greenhouse with controlled temperature and humidity. At the end of this period, they are prepared and disinfected so they can be taken to the tissue culture laboratory.
At the laboratory, the plants are placed in containers with culture medium, which provides all the nutrients that are necessary for their development. This laboratory process lasts 12 months and goes through 3 different stages: Mother Plant, Multiplication and Rooting. On each of the stages, specific cuts are made under sterile conditions and a record of photoperiods and nutrients is kept.
Afterwards, the plants are taken back to the greenhouse, where the process of adaptation and hardening takes place by means of a program of fertilization, monitoring and preventive and/or corrective applications. In addition, a quarterly evaluation of the diameter, vigor and root ball -for quality assurance- is carried out.
The process of adaptation and hardening lasts 18 months. Once it is completed, those plants that meet the quality standard specifications are chosen and packaged. The plants are transported under controlled conditions until they arrive to Casa Sauza, where it is verified that they in fact comply with the established parameters. Afterwards, the sowing of the material begins.
This whole process offers benefits such as safe, controlled and programmed supply of planting material, which complies with the qualitative specifications required (homogeneity, productivity, health and vigor).
In addition to quality, the right selection of growing conditions and a proper agronomic management translates into:
The In Vitro Division of Agromod (affiliated company of Plenus Group) and Nature Source Genetics LLC have joined to create Nature Source Improved Plants LLC (NSIP), a one-of-a-kind company with experience on in vitro propagation of plants. They also have the most advanced technology in genetic improvement. This new company is located in Ithaca, New York, and in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico.
NSIP Mexico is the only company in the world to have achieved the massive propagation of more than 22 million in vitro plants of Blue Agave, guaranteeing thus, the supply of "Elite" material for the tequila industry.
The in vitro Blue Agave plant is integrated in an INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEM that allows to significantly increase the productivity of the crop, transferring to the field a technological package with "Elite" seeds and the best agricultural practices in proper soils and climates.
We thank NSIP, Mexico, for their contribution with this Micropropagation of Blue Agave article.
Learn more about our agricultural processes here:
Automation Process of Agricultural Work
Why Implementing a TPM Program in Agriculture?
Innovation at the Agave Fields Using Smart Agriculture
Or you can always come to Casa Sauza and take a look at our fields yourself. You won't be disappointed!