An efficient in vitro propagation protocol for snowdrop anemone (Anemone sylvestris L.)

Abstract

This study investigated in vitro production of diploid (AS2) and tetraploid (AS4) cytotypes of snowdrop anemone. The effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on in vitro shoot multiplication and rooting was investigated. The effect of activated charcoal (AC) on root induction was also studied. Ploidy level affected growth characteristics during multiplication and rooting. Shoot induction in AS4 was higher on medium supplemented with cytokinin (3.2–3.6), while the AS2 clone formed the most shoots on PGR-free medium (3.6). The highest rooting percentage was achieved on PGR-free medium in both genotypes (AS2 clone, 100% and AS4 clone, 93.3%). The addition of AC to the PGR media largely increased root induction and root length. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatised in the greenhouse with 100% survival. Thus, the described micropropagation protocol represents a rapid and effective in vitro propagation method for utilisation in horticulture and conservation programmes of snowdrop anemone.