Control of browning during seed germination of Meizotropis pellita: a rare and an endangered plant

Abstract

Meizotropis pellita is a rare, endangered and threatened plant species found in Patwadanger forest. In nature this species grows from rootstock in precise and sensitive habitats. However, phenolic compounds provoke browning reaction which is responsible for lethal browning in plant tissue culture and hindering in vitro germination. The aim of this study was to minimize the effect of phenolic compound during seed germination. We evaluate different antibrowning treatments in Meizotropis pellita seeds. The seeds were pretreated in Polyvinylpyrrolidone and then treated seeds were cultured on MS media and sterilized seeds were directly inoculated on PVP containing MS media. These culture media incubate under dark and light conditions at different durations respectively. Our results showed that addition of antibrowning agent, PVP inhibit onset of browning. Dark and light condition also played a crucial role on onset of browning. Delayed and low intensity of browning were observed in case of seeds that were inoculated on MS media containing PVP and were kept in dark. The present research offers a positive in vitro seed germination protocol for Meizotropis pellita conservation.