Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 43–48

In vitro propagation of an endangered plant Saussurea esthonica

Abstract

In vitro culture is a one of the methods for ex situ conservation of rare and endangered plant species. The aim of the present study was to examine the main aspects of in vitro culture initiation and propagation of Saussurea esthonica, an endangered wild plant species in Latvia. The effect of the cytokinins kinetin, 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine and 6-benzilaminopurine on the micropropagation of S. esthonica was analyzed. Successful initiation of tissue culture of S. esthonica was achieved from seeds. The best results on shoot proliferation were obtained using 6-benzilaminopurine at concentrations 0.5 to 1 mg L–1. Addition of 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine promoted shoot elongation and root formation, but it was not effective on multiplication. The multiplication rate using kinetin at concentrations 0.5 to 2 mg L–1 was invariable without production of tissue swelling. About 30% of explants were rooted. The present study confirms that micropropagation of S. esthonica can be efficiently performed by using cytokinins at low concentrations.